I don't know if I'm looking for empathy, a pat on the back or just in need of some sleep after a crappy couple of shifts and short-swinging......'ere goes:

My hard work has paid off and I have begun to receive a handfull of acceptances to DO schools (my preference) first shot at the whole process. I had kept the whole decision a secret from my co-workers (why? I don't know...seemed like the best way to stay out of the ER gossip machine), except for one ED Tech - I had happened to see him while taking the MCAT exam...sitting behind me of all places!

This past month, the Tech saw me in the hall and congratulated me, others saw and asked what was up....so, I told them what was/had been going on. I got "oh yeah?" from the nursing staff, and many congrats, etc., from the medical staff. HUH?! not one congrats by ANY nurse? I just don't get it.

One of the other nurses (who, actually I can safely/confidently say, no one actually LIKES because of many reasons - leaving you to hang by yourself with a critical patient or 3 tops the list, trust me) just got into PA school - oh my, we had a banner and a cake and a this and a that for a week on end. Hell, I can't get a lousy "good for you"; just "oh..." I swear...

Re-reading this, I sound catty and awful. I guess I'm just a bit hurt. I've sweat and laughed and cried and sweat some more with these people for years...Nurse Manager is acting wacky too, but that's another story...

Any of you other Nurses-to-Docs get any grief when approaching "short-timer" status at your jobs before school? and, after getting actually 'in' school...how to you feel your transition went/is going?...I'm interested to hear....

Thanks!
(I'll step down off the soapbox now) http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 02-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 02-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 02-14-2001).]

I was not there, but it does almost sounds a little catty. The whole process of applying, testing and waiting is very stressful (as you sure know!), perhaps you are being a bit over sensitive. Maybe the lives of those at work were not as busy when your friend was excepted. Who knows. Dont let it bother you. There might even be some resentment. A ltiilt humility will go a long way here.
Personally, I am very happy for you as I am certain your family and friends are. Good Luck!

Both of our news "broke" at roughly the same time....I have no jealousy whatsoever of this person at work, believe me...and I am the last person who is a braggart - you just have to trust me on that...and I was an active participant in this person's "party".

Jealous possibly of the attention this person has received?...you may have me there (read: Disappointed) - I could give a &*^% less about the flags and cake, etc....It's the "oh" I get in response to my success, especially since I've known my co-workers for years now. Posters on this board KNOW how arduous the whole process is compared to PA school admittance (comparatively speaking IMO - no flame war intended here). A simple "congratulations" should not be so difficult to come by...

Resentment towards me for getting accepted? Well, now, that's not something I even considered.....a good point and worth thinking about on my part (I guess I'm not the type of person that resents another's success - their success is no reflection on me as a worthwhile person, I feel).

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it. http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 02-14-2001).]

First of all...CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Secondly, I'd be willing to bet that some of these "catty" coworkers are simply jealous. Getting into PA school is certainly a nice accomplishment, but getting into med school is something many only dream of. IMHO, I think alot of nurses, at one time or another, secretly fantasize about it, even if it's not something they'd ever actually want to pursue...who doesn't occasionally dream about being the one in charge!

Unfortunately, from now on, many will view you differently. Even though medicine is certainly a team effort, we all know that physicians are...must be, the leaders of the team. In effect, they may now view you as a future boss. Also, I hate to admit it but it's been my experience that female med students tend to get more grief from nurses than male med students. Don't get me wrong, the vast majority have been great, but I've met one or two along the way who were jealous...plain and simple. And no, it's not my imagination. In both cases, other nurses were nice enough to clue me in as to what was going on.

Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying all your coworkers are jealous, most of them are probably really happy for you, but they may not be sure about how to treat you now. Just be gracious about the whole thing and I'm sure they'll come around. Oh well, you know what they say...be careful of what you wish for...

GOOD LUCK!

Congrats on your acceptance.

They're just jealous that you got in and won't have to change bedsheets and dirty diapers like they will be doing.

Maybe they were surprised about the whole thing and didn't know what to do or say...you didn't mention it to them beforehand...right? Maybe they're planning a big party or something for your last week or shift...who knows?

dds2b,

Your comment on nurses are jealous (of doctors) because they have to "change bedsheet and dirty diapers" is really uncalled for. Each person of the healthcare team has unique responsibilities to take care of, and everyone has a niche in the overall scheme of patient care. Nurses, as I have learned, do much much more than house keeping chores as you have suggested, and incidentally their service to the patients enables physicians to be more efficient in their work. A simple analogy, the healthcare team is like a body with each profession occupying a different part of the anatomy. Who is to say which part is more vital than the other?

PS. I forgot to mention that my wife was a nursing major before she decided to go to optometry school so I do have a first-hand knowledge of what nursing students have to go through in their training as well as what nurses do.

[This message has been edited by DOPhD student (edited 02-16-2001).]

No one here is nurse bashing. If it is a fight you are looking for, please look somewhere else. Thanx

I agree...a flame-war about nurses vs. doctors is not what my original intent was. To educate the ignorant masses about exactly what a nurse, me in particular, does would take me a lifetime...and then some. I've grown to ignore certain comments over the years.

It continues to be funny, though, I am a semi-regular poster on a Nursing webboard for quite a few years now...again not ONE congrats from a NURSE (same as on the job); actually on that board, I've been flat-out insulted ("don't think it's going to be any easier as a doctor," "you'll never truly be ONE of them")....so much for the 'nurturing' profession.

I know what you mean. I am a PA working on an MBA. You can imagine the rash of sh#% I regularily get!!

Hey NurseyK! Your dilemma sounds very similar. I'm on my way to a DO school too. And am leaving the nursing profession. Like you, I haven't told many co-workers what I will be doing. The main reason is b/c I really don't want to go through the whole explaining thing and create tension with other nurses. I think nurses & doctors tend to have a separatist mentality, professionally, even though no one vocalizes it. So I think I'll stay on the nursing side until I "cross over." Is it obvious I don't invite conflict? It's nice to hear that I'm not totally alone in this. I have not met any other nurses going to medical school yet. Did you see the episode on ER when Nurse Hathoway told her staff nurses she was going to take the MCAT? They all got this attitude (half joking, half serious). I thought it was pretty realistic. I think the nurses who didn't congratulate you had mixed emotions and also were probably very surprised by the news.
Congratulations on all your interviews! Working & studying definitely has its unique challenges.

I know that it must be odd to 'cross over' like osteogal said. I was a nurse assistant for years and became very close with the nursing staff. I also kept it quiet secret mainly because I didnt know if I was going to get in or not. But when I did tell everyone, I also got some weird responses.

I didnt really take it well at first because some of my great nursing friends really didnt seem to happy for me. But after I though about it for a while, I came to realize that even though some may be 'jealous' I think most of them really didnt know how to respond. For 3 years I work right beside them, taking orders, then the next day I am off to medical school. It must make them feel odd because one day you are their co-worker and next thing you know, you are off to be in a 'higher' position.
The only statment that one of the nurses said very sarcastically, that still bothers me to this day is "Wow, I didnt think YOU were that smart" OUCH, but, proved her wrong!

I must say though, I will always, always respect the nursing field because I have been there. They are the Backbone of the hospital and deserve much more respect than I think they get!

Anyway, CONGRATS to you, and dont take offense to the responses of your friends. It is just something they didnt expect and it is a GREAT and very respectable accomplishment!


------------------
~Pegasus~

[This message has been edited by Pegasus (edited 03-06-2001).]

Thank you all for your kind words, it makes life at work a bit easier to tolerate!

Remember how I said that the medical staff was congratulatory? Welp, I've run into a huge problem with one of the newer (read: she - 2 yrs out of school; me - 6 yrs as ER nurse) female ER docs. She's constantly telling the ER nursing staff not to listen to me when I'm in charge, berating my decision to go to DO school in front of staff ('not smart enough to go to MD school'), etc, etc. Hell, my fellow nurse and I caught a AAA on a LOL that she Dx with "broken back" (lady coded and died b/c Dr did not act on what we (nursing) were screaming over - PCXR after intubation showed AAA as big as your fist, honest).

Soooooooo.....bottom line conclusions here:
#1) The jealousy suggestion has proven to be fact (nice call folks);
#2) I believe there's a "thing" about people accepting other's success, those without a strong sense of self who derive pleasure at being "top dog" without competition; who *can't* be wrong; who have *something* to prove. Now I seem to be getting down to words like intimidated and lack of self-confidence....hmmm;
#3) It's not just the little voices in my head telling me strange things...hehehehe http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/biggrin.gif
This idea was reinforced the other nite when I worked with our DO (read: she - 2 yrs out of school also). She started out as an ED Tech, then ED/Critical Care RN, then DO school...smart as a whip she is...and GGGOOOODDDD...She said she had same problems with staff before she left (whew...).

Thanks for the place to vent!

Kat http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/smile.gif

It's nice that you work with someone who's been in your shoes. Have you told her about the other PGY2? What did she say? Regarding this other doc, HOW RUDE!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully you don't have to work with her too much. If it was me, I think I'd have to call her on her bullsh#t.
If nothing else, I'd want to know why she feels the way she does. Obviously, she knows NOT whereof she speaks, but I'd be curious to see how she'd respond if you actually stood up to her...in a professional way of course.

NurseyK,
I've been a hospital tech for nearly 3 yrs. and have been accepted to a few osteopathic medical schools. I know your frustration. I'm in the home stretch of my career as a tech and will start a new chapter in my life this summer in med school.
Recently, one of the other techs, Sylvia, graduated from a local community college and passed her RN boards... you would've thought that the President was coming to our hospital with all of the fanfare and glory bestowed upon her. Wow! I think there's still some of those damn pink balloons hanging in the break room. I kept my application to med schools undercover for a long time. I decided to squeek the news after I got into a few programs and I knew I was on my way. The responses: "oh, that's nice", "when you're a doctor don't be like Dr. X", "when you're a doctor don't do Y", etc, etc. In all fairness, a few of my coworkers congratulated me sincerely, but nothing like Sylvia... one of their own!
I think that's what it comes down to...the us vs. them attitude of nurses. Maybe doctors do the same thing in their circles, but i honestly think they're too busy to gripe nearly as much. Who knows?

I can't wait to leave my job. People ask me how I'm going to manage the stress and lack of sleep as a med student... HA! I work 12 hour third shifts at the hospital. At least in med school, they let you SIT DOWN!

Maybe I'll even throw away my TED stockings http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/smile.gif

-Glands

NurseyK
Another point of information:

People love to be "naysayers" in a hospital. I can't tell you how many people have told me that I'll never be able to pay for it. Then, once I tell them that I'm on a military scholarship, they tell me that I'll absolutely hate the military and that I'm too old, etc. Hahaha!

Their jealousy is so obvious, it's comical.

I'm sure you're experiencing a good dose of jealousy yourself.

-Glands

Let me preface this next comment with: I *love* what I do; every pt is a puzzle that begs to be 'solved' - you look, you talk, you touch - you go on your gut and your knowledge and your experience and you run with it until you come up with a Dx good enough for Admit or D/C. It's a thrill for me to do what I do, and I do my job WELL (toot, toot). Note: I'm not saying the job is "fun." No job where you see people at their absolute worst is "fun." If I didn't love what I'm doing I would never have made the decision to pursue medschool and an EM specialty.

With that said....I can't stand the rest of this superfluous Jr. High School crap! I've had enough. The bandwagon of jealousy (or whatever you want to call it) that's been chugging slowly along the tracks, has charged full steam ahead and arrived with free boarding for all the sheep. I went in after a few days off....I am essentially alone now: "oh, the DOCTOR can do that by herself," "so, are we supposed to treat her more 'special' now?" "give her all the pt's since she knows so much to get into medical school," from the Nurses...and from the some of the PA's, "Doctor _____, Kathy gave a Tylenol/started a neb and I didn't order it," "she put the pt on that stretcher and you said the other one," blah, blah, blah. I'm the same damn person doing the same damn ER job I've been doing for the last 5 yrs! The other nurse that's going to PA school has been crawling up the medical staff's *****es and shirking his RN responsibilities..but that's ignored. Somehow, that's ok.

The evening and nite Techs (ED, Radiology, Psych, etc) and the nite Unit Secretary have a joke among themselves. They call themselves, "the little people." I've always enjoyed a good, solid, friendly relationship with many of them. Most of them have been around for more years than the medical and nursing staff combined and, should I dare say, can give some members of both groups a run for their money! Let me tell you....I just received such support and genuine excitement and caring from this group of people. If I've been left hanging by nursing, I suddenly have no less than 2 or 3 ED Techs, XR and the Secretary with me, "what can I do?" etc. XR Techs that haven't said boo to me in years, have come out of the woodwork to help me when they see I need it. When we had some down time, I told them all how appreciative I am, and I'm glad that they, too, didn't join in on the little bandwagon.

WEELLL...full story came out then from (and I quote) "the little people who keep their eyes and ears open and their mouth's shut," "we see what they're doing to you," "you're good and we like you...Doc": we re-hired a few staff (RN) members that quit last year because the ER was "too dangerous with all the new people" at the time (all of one new person). Now, with 5 brandy-spankin' new unqualified RNs on board after 10 resignations from Certified Emergency Nurses, conditions are much worse. These RNs were trouble-makers when they were employees originally. So, you all guessed it correctly...they're causing trouble again, and guess who has the target on her back, hmmmm? Right again. They feel that they have the support of the female doc I told you about before (she works a LOT of shifts a month). They have said, in so many words, that when I'm not in Charge, they're going to ride me hard until I leave (they are coming back with their senority over me intact despite the fact they quit - that's what you get for not having a Union). Nurse Manager doesn't care, "well, you're dropping to per-diem anyway," "why don't you put your papers in now so I can find someone, train and hire them?" She's also now, "not sure" about my Leave of Absence (I want to go back and work there between MS-1 and MS-2 yrs since my RN License won't have expired yet). ED Medical Director is a non-confrontational pacifist who will "yes" and "I understand" you to death instead of lifting up his skirt, grabbing his balls and dealing with whatever the problem is. The CEO has resigned and my boss' boss just quit too. There's no one left to Bit%& at...my incident reports have been thrown in the garbage, ahem, I mean, "on someone's desk somewhere" (yes, I have copies) and now I've been subpoenaed by the D.A. for some drunken trauma the ER Doc killed and I don't remember (not a big deal in and of itself, I've been to court before, just coming at a bad time).

It's funny though...when I started out the whole process of apps, etc., I was scared that maybe I wasn't "ready" (on a certain level) to move on. Oh, I don't know, that emotional devil's advocate whispering, this career/job is ok, this is safe and comfy, I know what I'm doing and can do it in my sleep, why rock the boat?. I must admit that I have gotten to the point now where I am "ready." I'm going "past" this stuff. I want to move on. They say all things happen for a reason, right?

Hey, Glands is right, I'll be able to see the sun, sit down, eat slowly, and go to the bathroom like a normal person for 2 yrs before rotations! Like a little vacation after 5 yrs of 12 hr nite shifts! woo, woo...oh my, come to think of it, I'll be out of shape for residency! hehe

I read the best phrase the other day:
They can eat me, but they can't kill me. http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/wink.gif

Thanks for the vent, all. I feel the love. LOL!

Kat http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 03-10-2001).]

To Kat,

Hang in there girl!!! If I were you, I'd quit that horrible place immediately!!!!!!!!
I've heard of some bad situations, but that beats them all! Can't you go locum tenens and work for a temp service?

Don't worry about what will happen between MS1 and MS2. You'll only get 4-8 weeks off and you'll be too tired to work. I actually got a credit card to LIVE ON during my summer break so I wouldn't have to work. If you join AMSA (American Medical Student Association) you'll be offered a credit card with a good rate and high max limit. Personally, I decided that I needed some mental health time and was already soooooo far in debt that a few thousand more was a drop in the bucket. If you MUST work, again, just go with a temp service. Let me know what happens. Good Luck!

Neurogirl has the right idea. But, if you decide to stay at the job, I would consider leaving about a month before med school begins to get rid of the bad energy and cleanse your mind so you can start fresh in med school.

I already know that I'm leaving about 5 weeks prior to school starting. I have no idea how I'm going to pay bills, but I have to get my circadian rythm back in line and "cleanse my mind" of the negative energy of the past few years as a med/surg tech.

chant with me: "ooooohhhhhmmmmm"
http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/smile.gif

-Glands

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by NurseyK:
I don't know if I'm looking for empathy, a pat on the back or just in need of some sleep after a crappy couple of shifts and short-swinging......'ere goes:

My hard work has paid off and I have begun to receive a handfull of acceptances to DO schools (my preference) first shot at the whole process. I had kept the whole decision a secret from my co-workers (why? I don't know...seemed like the best way to stay out of the ER gossip machine), except for one ED Tech - I had happened to see him while taking the MCAT exam...sitting behind me of all places!

This past month, the Tech saw me in the hall and congratulated me, others saw and asked what was up....so, I told them what was/had been going on. I got "oh yeah?" from the nursing staff, and many congrats, etc., from the medical staff. HUH?! not one congrats by ANY nurse? I just don't get it.

One of the other nurses (who, actually I can safely/confidently say, no one actually LIKES because of many reasons - leaving you to hang by yourself with a critical patient or 3 tops the list, trust me) just got into PA school - oh my, we had a banner and a cake and a this and a that for a week on end. Hell, I can't get a lousy "good for you"; just "oh..." I swear...

Re-reading this, I sound catty and awful. I guess I'm just a bit hurt. I've sweat and laughed and cried and sweat some more with these people for years...Nurse Manager is acting wacky too, but that's another story...

Any of you other Nurses-to-Docs get any grief when approaching "short-timer" status at your jobs before school? and, after getting actually 'in' school...how to you feel your transition went/is going?...I'm interested to hear....

Thanks!
(I'll step down off the soapbox now) http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 02-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 02-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 02-14-2001).]</font>

?

Well, again congrats. I am an Rn and I am going to persue med school. I would love to keep in touch with you and find out how it is going. Please email me privately. I would love to know how your nursing has helped/ hindered you in med school. Thanks.

------------------
Love God, Hate Sin

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by NurseyK:
?</font>

NurseyK,

The BEST advice I can give you is to NOT care what others think about you and your goals--WHO CARES. I mean does it really matter what all your coworkers are saying about your acceptance to DO school? If you worry about stuff like this, you are going to have a tough road for the rest of your life. My advice is to just keep on going forth in life and to not give a cr@p what others say. By you worrying about what others think of you, you are wasting critical energy that could be used for more beneficial things.

On a personal note, I've had much success in life only because I just "keep on sailing" without interfering in gossip or petty things.

Best of luck to you NurseyK and CONGRATS on your ACCEPTANCE!!!

Vroom

Vroom - I believe that I am older than you think I am. http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/wink.gif

I am not "worried" about the people at work. Annoyed? Yes. Why? I'm stuck for a 20 hr mandate numerous days a week with these people. We are extremely short-staffed with high acuity patients. I don't get "excited" after all these years of ER nursing. I don't yell. I don't ask for help unless the roof is caving in. On that note, if something crappy does require the attention of myself and I do yell, "help"...I expect all hands on deck.
Problem then? The hands are not running to help. I am left alone on purpose. Now we are talking a pt safety issue...and potentially my license.

Hhhheeeeeyyyyyyyy -

This is kinda like a little therapy session!

I think I'm really getting down to the root of it all...

....a break-thru is coming......

ROFL! http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/biggrin.gif

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NurseyK:
[B]Hhhheeeeeyyyyyyyy -

This is kinda like a little therapy session!

I think I'm really getting down to the root of it all...

....a break-thru is coming......

NurseyK,

Well, just be glad you are getting out of that hell-hole of a job and moving onto bigger and better things--DO school..YEAH!!!

Vroom
P.S. Of course bigger and better certainly does in no way imply that the DO is superior to the nurse. Bigger and better refers to NurseyK moving forward toward HER designated career path.

[This message has been edited by Vroom (edited April 03, 2001).]

Thanks for your well-wishes, folks!

Kat

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited April 04, 2001).]

After yet another, crappy, ignorant nite in the playground with the Kindergardeners, I have oh-ficially dropped status from FT to per-diem, effective June 1st. Hubby and I will deal with the lack of $$$ until the start of school (no different from the past 10 yrs together LOL!). He said that he's gotten to the point where he is tired of seeing me 'regret' getting into medschool and wants me to relax and be proud - school will be stressful enough without me bringing old stress to it. (Makes ya just wanna say, "awwwww....")

SSSoooooo, per-diem means working with WHO (nurse and doctor) I want to, WHEN I want to - which will make my time left before school active, yet stress-free. I can't stop the job totally, ya see; I just LOVE what I do. I love the ER. It's just the rest of the gradeschool crap I can do without...

- a short-timer-status

Kat http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/smile.gif

Originally posted by NurseyK:
<STRONG>Let me preface this next comment with: I *love* what I do; every pt is a puzzle that begs to be 'solved' - you look, you talk, you touch - you go on your gut and your knowledge and your experience and you run with it until you come up with a Dx good enough for Admit or D/C. It's a thrill for me to do what I do, and I do my job WELL (toot, toot). Note: I'm not saying the job is "fun." No job where you see people at their absolute worst is "fun." If I didn't love what I'm doing I would never have made the decision to pursue medschool and an EM specialty.

With that said....I can't stand the rest of this superfluous Jr. High School crap! I've had enough. The bandwagon of jealousy (or whatever you want to call it) that's been chugging slowly along the tracks, has charged full steam ahead and arrived with free boarding for all the sheep. I went in after a few days off....I am essentially alone now: "oh, the DOCTOR can do that by herself," "so, are we supposed to treat her more 'special' now?" "give her all the pt's since she knows so much to get into medical school," from the Nurses...and from the some of the PA's, "Doctor _____, Kathy gave a Tylenol/started a neb and I didn't order it," "she put the pt on that stretcher and you said the other one," blah, blah, blah. I'm the same damn person doing the same damn ER job I've been doing for the last 5 yrs! The other nurse that's going to PA school has been crawling up the medical staff's *****es and shirking his RN responsibilities..but that's ignored. Somehow, that's ok.

The evening and nite Techs (ED, Radiology, Psych, etc) and the nite Unit Secretary have a joke among themselves. They call themselves, "the little people." I've always enjoyed a good, solid, friendly relationship with many of them. Most of them have been around for more years than the medical and nursing staff combined and, should I dare say, can give some members of both groups a run for their money! Let me tell you....I just received such support and genuine excitement and caring from this group of people. If I've been left hanging by nursing, I suddenly have no less than 2 or 3 ED Techs, XR and the Secretary with me, "what can I do?" etc. XR Techs that haven't said boo to me in years, have come out of the woodwork to help me when they see I need it. When we had some down time, I told them all how appreciative I am, and I'm glad that they, too, didn't join in on the little bandwagon.

WEELLL...full story came out then from (and I quote) "the little people who keep their eyes and ears open and their mouth's shut," "we see what they're doing to you," "you're good and we like you...Doc": we re-hired a few staff (RN) members that quit last year because the ER was "too dangerous with all the new people" at the time (all of one new person). Now, with 5 brandy-spankin' new unqualified RNs on board after 10 resignations from Certified Emergency Nurses, conditions are much worse. These RNs were trouble-makers when they were employees originally. So, you all guessed it correctly...they're causing trouble again, and guess who has the target on her back, hmmmm? Right again. They feel that they have the support of the female doc I told you about before (she works a LOT of shifts a month). They have said, in so many words, that when I'm not in Charge, they're going to ride me hard until I leave (they are coming back with their senority over me intact despite the fact they quit - that's what you get for not having a Union). Nurse Manager doesn't care, "well, you're dropping to per-diem anyway," "why don't you put your papers in now so I can find someone, train and hire them?" She's also now, "not sure" about my Leave of Absence (I want to go back and work there between MS-1 and MS-2 yrs since my RN License won't have expired yet). ED Medical Director is a non-confrontational pacifist who will "yes" and "I understand" you to death instead of lifting up his skirt, grabbing his balls and dealing with whatever the problem is. The CEO has resigned and my boss' boss just quit too. There's no one left to Bit%& at...my incident reports have been thrown in the garbage, ahem, I mean, "on someone's desk somewhere" (yes, I have copies) and now I've been subpoenaed by the D.A. for some drunken trauma the ER Doc killed and I don't remember (not a big deal in and of itself, I've been to court before, just coming at a bad time).

It's funny though...when I started out the whole process of apps, etc., I was scared that maybe I wasn't "ready" (on a certain level) to move on. Oh, I don't know, that emotional devil's advocate whispering, this career/job is ok, this is safe and comfy, I know what I'm doing and can do it in my sleep, why rock the boat?. I must admit that I have gotten to the point now where I am "ready." I'm going "past" this stuff. I want to move on. They say all things happen for a reason, right?

Hey, Glands is right, I'll be able to see the sun, sit down, eat slowly, and go to the bathroom like a normal person for 2 yrs before rotations! Like a little vacation after 5 yrs of 12 hr nite shifts! woo, woo...oh my, come to think of it, I'll be out of shape for residency! hehe

I read the best phrase the other day:
They can eat me, but they can't kill me. http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/wink.gif

Thanks for the vent, all. I feel the love. LOL!

Kat http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by NurseyK (edited 03-10-2001).]</STRONG>
FINALLY~~Spoken like a true ER nurse! I was wondering when you were gonna stop pissin & moanin about all the catty bashing & hating and come barreling through the flaming hoops, fire extinguisher in hand! The fact is, you are one tough bitch to have made it this far and they all know it. Women are catty by nature, and we are in a predominantly female based profession. Did you expect them to be happy for you? They would have acted the same had you announced your engagement to Fabio (but would have thrown a ticker-tape parade had you wed Carot Top)~they just wanna feel more special. You know I am kidding Nursey, & I know it sux (grief at work is always a great big pain in the *****). Keep in mind~you are my hero :D and I admit I am jealous! CONGRATS!

Congrats on your acceptance to DO school.

All I can say is, "like begets like." We are all human and hate to see others achieve more and strive harder than ourselves. It is a sense of abandonment that many see you doing---to the nursing profession and to their "friendship." A step to PA from nursing isn't nearly as far as a leap----they can still rationalize the move. But to jump to the other side "MD/DO" is a no-no. As you can see the ignorance displayed by the 2nd yr. MD----it is often a battle between nurses and doctors. In some places more prevalent than others.

I say kill em' with kindness and let it be water-off-your-back. It is hard to hate anyone that smiles all the time. Good luck and keep smiling.

R.R.B

Thank you all for your well-wishes!

After a nite from absolute he#% a few weeks ago with that crazy female doc...I mean..to the point where I was so mad that I couldn't even SEE straight...I locked the wacko in the break room and had it out with her - politely ;) yet firmly :D

I must say..she is trying now, a little more quiet than usual, definately not busting my hump AS MUCH (heck, I'd rather be ignored than be ridden like a little shetland pony at a 5 yo birthday party)...

Warm weather's here early, and with it is coming gangs, domestics, MVCs, and donor-cycle traumas by the busload (no pun intended)...it's going to be a long summer before medschool.

Kat :cool:

See? I told you she'd back off if you confronted her. Good for you! :D

Hi Nursery K,

First of all congratulations on your acceptance to DO school! Which one did you decide on? I am soon to be a fourth year and am still an ER nurse (when time allows). Believe me I understand what you are going through, but you'll get through it. I decided not to tell any one at all and a similar incident happened to me when I was waiting to hear about acceptances. One night one of the nurses came in and said in a loud voice " I hear congratulations are in order, I hear your going to..." and I shushed her immediately and dragged her into the med room. When I asked her what she was doing, she said that she ran into the doc that had written my letter of rec (I didn't even know she knew him!) and he was asking about my progress with the application process. I asked her not to tell anyone and she seemed surprised. That was probably the smartest thing I ever did. I continued to get work (I had already dropped to per diem status) until I left. I came back during the breaks and finally when I successfully completed my first year, I handed in my resignation. I work through a temp agency and got work bet. my first and second year (I'm probably older than all of you people and still had enough in me to do some 12 hour shifts ;) and have done a few shifts during my lighter rotations. If you can handle the stress until you get to school, go on girl, show'em what you're made of (that's why you made it to med school) but you might want to consider working elsewhere after you are in school (since there is no union, what's to say your job will be there when you come back, if they are being this catty already). Why didn't I share the news with my co-workers, for the same reasons that you experiencing right now. There are a few nurses in my class and the results are mixed, it seems the male nurses got parties and congratulations from not only the medical but the nursing staff as well (and didn't seem to have any problems when they told staff they were applying to med school) but the females didn't get any kind of encouragement and got treated fairly poorly once they were accepted. Any one care to comment on gender as an issue, post here as I would like to know if this was the exception rather than the rule (there were 4 male nurses in my class, all from different regions). Any way good luck Nusery K and everyone else making the transition, you'll do great.

Thanks Neurogirl and Ted....

Kat :)

OK. OK. So I just wanted to keep the thread open...

....and pad my numbers a little... ;)

Soooo, I was thinking. I need a new name. Hhmmmm....DO-K :confused:

Kat :)

Hey there, I thought I would just up-date my little "saga", for I just KNOW all of you are waiting on pins-and-nails to hear the latest... :P

Last nite was my last "FT" nite. I am oh-ficially per-diem now. (It feels wierd.) I spent all week going in (on my own time) to catch my nite-shift buddies to give them presents/cards I bought them.

The guys and gals on nites that I'm close with (read: old-timers to ER and old-time floaters/ICU RNs that come to ER frequently) all came in extra special at 5am on their day off (!) to cook me/us a *big* breakfast - complete with cake for dessert (even the ER Doc I said I was having a problem with participated - heck, she was cooking!). I got a beautiful card from everyone along with a monogrammed leather briefcase and a monogrammed pen set/with monogrammed leather case! I also got some other misc. stuff from the gals I've been "extra" close to. I was crying like a baby!!! Talk about a surprise!!

This unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) came on the heels of: #1) *huge* *****-chewing out by my boss (I wrote up one of our illustrious incompetent nurses for doing some MAJOR screw-ups and somehow I was the bad guy...) and #2) walking in on a little gossip-session of some of the day/evening nurses (when I came in to get my check) talking maliciously about me, saying how "no one wanted to work with me", they would put me in the "heavy" district alone for "punishment" for my last 2 nites, and calling me "Hitler". :eek: ....ah the "caring" profession....oh yeah, and did I mention that my Nurse Manager was participating in the gossip?.... :rolleyes: WELCOME TO NURSING!

Needless to say, I got on the horn to HER boss....gee, my weekend, and their attitudes, were *much* different suddenly (Nurse Mger never even showed her face during a couple of Trauma Codes like she should have b/c she was on call).

I have to admit though, my last nite was ccrrraapppyyyyy..very bad pt acuity/volume.. but, I had I my true friends around me and that's what counted!

Kat (still teary) :D

Aaaah that story brought a smile of joy, I know it was hard finishing up, but just knowing that you won't have to dealt with the "night to night" routine, the politics, the back biting/stabbing has to make it worthwhile. Heck, that's how I felt as I eased on in to med school, came back on the holidays (no one knew I was in med school except that one nurse) no one was on my case anymore, people were eager to offer me shifts, wow, it was like the world had changed. Then after my very last final exam grade was posted for year one, I abruptly resigned my position. It was the weirdest feeling, but somehow a freeing moment. Good luck on the rest of your journey through Oz and remember, there's no place like med school, there's no place like med school:O).

Originally posted by tedsadoc2002:
<STRONG>...and remember, there's no place like med school, there's no place like med school :O).</STRONG>


.....[clicking heels together and repeating]....

Congrats NurseyK! I know it's a little late but you should really think about celebrating your own accomplisments... not waiting for others to do it.
I work as Attendant..read "beneath-the-nurses-gopher"..in the OR. Beleive me I understand exactly what you went through, when I announced my medical school acceptance.
I thought it was so funny to see the look on their faces when I sighed dreamily "Maybe I will come back and do a surgery residency here" ;) Yes, we all know what payback can be
Anyways, I say Phuck 'em ;). I bought my own cake and ice cream for my going away party! :) You should try it! Bring enough for everyone! Make sure you offer it first to the people who gave you hate the most! They can't help to say something... even if it isn't very sincere.
Mmmm it's so good to have your cake and eat it too!
Only two more months right! Good Luck

Hamster,

Great attitude. I'll have to remember strategy.
As they say, "Kill 'em with kindness."
Fortunately, I don't foresee needing to buy my own cake and icecream anytime soon, but I'll definitely remember it. :D

Congratulations from me too, Hamster. I am always especially cheered when the scorned turn the tables and enter the Gates of medical school Heaven self-allocated to the chosen elite.
Being a pedant, I also want to comment on your use of "gopher." Gophers are small burrowing rodents related to hamsters, so in that sense your spelling of gopher is accurate. If you meant it in the commonly used sense--low-level unskilled employee whose job it is to fetch this, go for that--the spelling is "gofer", a contraction of "go for." The word "for" is deliberately mispronounced and misspelled as "fer" to insinuate an even more deprecating, lower class sense of "errand boy/girl."

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

[An old Celtic (Irish/Welsh) parting blessing.]

Thanks gofer for the spelling tip!

Only 2 more 12's left and I'm DONE with work...woo, woo!...

I'm trying very hard not to call in "sick"!

Kat :D

Hang in there Kat, I know the temptation is strong just to blow it off (or up ;) whatever your feelings are for your future former "playmates"). Let out a big "HALLELUIA" after you've signed out for the last time. Smile that bright smile and say "I'd like to thank all the little people that made this moment possible." Or you could just quietly think it ;) Best of luck kid. :cool:

ALL DONE! :D

Now the hardest thing to do over the next 2 weeks is to flip to "day" time ;)

Thanks for your support Ted!

Kat :)

Hi Kat,

Starting soon (or have you started yet)? Hope things are going well. Ted :)

Originally posted by tedsadoc2002:
<STRONG>Hi Kat,

Starting soon (or have you started yet)? Hope things are going well. Ted :)</STRONG>

Hey Ted -

I'm starting orientation this Monday!!!! aaahhhhhhh.....I met my "Big Sister" on Sat. She's a good match; it's nice to have someone to bounce stuff off of...

I'm gettin' nervous! :D But, it's not so bad that I wish I was back at the job. ;)

I hope all is well with you and yours!

Kat :)

Good luck, Kat! I'll be thinking of ya! :D
Go get 'em girl!

Thanks cpw! Good luck to you too!

[sigh]...it's just studying and studying - and it's only the first week of school!!! ahhhhhh!!!! hehehe :P

Don't let me kid ya - I'm having a great time here. (That, of course, may change after I get my first test grades. LOL!)

Kat :)

Great attitude! (I felt the same way). So the transition has been okay? Hopefully so. Keep us all posted and maybe we can get our own "diary" started here, the nurse (health care professional) to doctor diaries! Well, we need a catchier title but I think it'd be great. Again, good luck and yay, radiology is over===> :eek: on to neuro! ted.

Ted -

I hope all is going well with Neuro! Still in AZ or traveling for that one?

Our first test is Monday - Biochem, Histo, Physio....ahhhhhh! ;)

Kat :D

NurseyK,

Is medical school as tough as everyone says it is?

Would you say that it takes brains or hardwork and determination to make it through med school?

Just wondering. :rolleyes:

Hi Kat,

Actually I've been in NY since June. I'm in the Bronx doing neuro and this will be the last rotation I will be doing in this area. Got a chance to avoid the searing heat of the AZ summer and visit family members but it'll be good to get back to my friends in AZ! Best of luck on your first exam, you'll do just fine. Answer to ella's question, a combo of both maximizes your chances but brains and no hard work you may or may not get by, I think hard work helps though you may not be Einstein. JMHO. My best to you all out there. ted. :cool:

Hey Ted!! Hey Neurogirl!!

Where are ya both? How's rotations?

Medschool's going well over here (read: I'm getting used to the sleep deprivation and "stress" weight loss). I'm facing our next Composite Exam on Monday. There's nothing like having 10 exams in the space of 7 weeks! :eek:

I miss the work, but not the job (or is it the other way around?) - I think you know what I mean....of course, I'd never quit here and go BACK...LOL :D

Medschool's hell - and I'm just a glutton for punishment..... ;)

I hope you and yours are well!

Kat :)

Back in the desert of AZ doing a sub-i in IM. So glad that things are going well for you and though I'm doing rotations, I can feel for you (all that sleep lost, nutrition or binging missed out on:O( . I feel weird as I had just left NY approx. 2 weeks ago, I can't believe my home town is under attack. All of my family has been accounted for and for that I am truly grateful to God! I'll pray that things continue to go well for you in school. :cool:

Hi Kat,

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, but internship has been all-consuming... much more than even med school was. I'm adjusting, but boy will I be glad when it's over! We're already counting the days! Someone once told me that the worst years of medical education are: 1. the first year of med school 2. internship 3. first year in practice. I believe him! The other day, one of our residents said he felt like he'd aged 10 years during internship. God, I hope I don't end up feeling that way...I don't have 10 years to spare!!! :D

Glad to hear you're doing well. Hang in there and keep me posted...I'll check in whenever I have a chance.

Neurogirl DO, MPH

Ted and Neuro -

Thank you for your well wishes!

I'm glad both of you are well, and...um....enjoying your experiences as much as I am (cough, cough). ;)

We must keep in touch!

Kat :D

Just trying to keep in touch like you suggested :D Where are you Kat? Doing well hopefully. Do you have quarters or semesters? If it's quarters, you should be coming down to the wire, keep your chin up! I'm getting frustrated with the Match process and the technicalities. Just got back from Fresno. Fortunately, I won't need to travel for rotations until Feb (sooner if I get interviews :eek: ). I'd love to hear how things are going! :cool: ted

Ted -

HHHHEEEYYYYYY!!!!!!!

I'm buried in deep here....Composite Exams, ANA/Embryo, OMM/OPP....sigh....our class is the guinea pigs for the current schedule. Admin is finding that it's not "working" and most of the class is failing (multiple) subjects. Sooo, next yr the schedule will be different (yet again, according to rumour).

Despite all, like the little glutton for punishment I am, I'm luving it....save for the interpersonal crap (probably D/T the whole "age difference" thing). I'm plugging thru, studying my ***** off, doing VERY well as far as grades and class rank. It's just a matter of maintaining and sustaining over the long haul.

The Match....ouch.....I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I hope all turns out the way you want! Keep me posted. I hope all is well with you and your family.

One of these days we'll have to get together and compare "notes" in person!...you know...with ALL that FREE time we have here in medschool....LOL :D

Kat

Unless I get interviews, I shouldn't be heading east any time soon, but I agree, we should meet and compare notes (yours'll come out a little shinier than mine). Glad things are going well for you. Things here are stable. Keep me posted and I'll keep you posted. :cool:

Ted & Neurogirl -

Thanksgiving is approaching (finally)! A couple o' tests and I face the drive home -- in the snow, according to the local weather report.

Things are steady - tedious...the "bug parade" is starting....ahhhhh...I'm starting to dream of "bugs" and "drugs" LOL! :p

Happy Turkey Day to you and yours!! I hope all is well.

Kat :D

Hey Kat!

Good to hear that things haven't changed on the med school front, still busy :p I'm in NY heading back to Phoenix in the morning. Got done with one interview on Friday and will have another on Tuesday. Thanksgiving this year,as last year,will be spent with friends from church. Dad, my sister,and niece will be visiting the Valley of the Sun for the Christmas holidays!!! (This is after three horrible weeks of being forced back into the classroom (spelled: mandatory), sorry but I think this is quite unnecessary). Hope your Thanksgiving is great and that school, well is kinder :D Send us more glowing reports at Christmas time (perhaps to your former colleagues as well :D )

Hey Kat,

Got your message. Send me your e-mail so I can respond, it wasn't in the message. (Should I have checked the profile, eeks jet lag, what an evil thing. It just scrambles the brain cells!)

ted :cool: :cool: :cool:

Congratulations for getting into medical school....You're a woman of virtue, be strong, I'm sure you will be a great doctor better than many others who just got in from undergrad. I, as well, am going through the bug parade... Good luck!!! Trick question, what human disease does Wuchereria bancrofti cause!! :cool: Cheers! :D

Filariasis which MAY lead to elephantiasis.

TO nursey k and all nurse to med school students what were your grades like in nursing school and what were your mcats like?

I am not sure how valid this info is for comparison. We have 4 nurses (inclu one NP in our class). All of us were former ER RN's. All of us did well in Nursing school, and (obviously) well enough on MCAT to get in. All of us are passing this first semester. A few are "holding on", and a few are doing varying degrees of "better than holding on". Have I found that this correlates with age, gender, marital status, recent course work before school, years out of school, or years spent working in the field? NOPE - it's a crap shoot. (I don't know anyone's EXACT grades because, basically, we don't talk about that stuff. The competition is over, so to speak; everyone is just interested in passing.)

If you are asking if you can "survive" medschool as a RN. Sure you can. There are quite a few former nurses out there in Doctor-land.

Sorry I couldn't be more specific. Hope some of this helped.

Kat :D

I would like to encourage anyone with previous health care experience to take on the challenge of medical school. Determination and hard work is the key, it is just the question of "doing it".

[quote]Originally posted by Freeeedom!:
<strong>I would like to encourage anyone with previous health care experience to take on the challenge of medical school. Determination and hard work is the key, it is just the question of "doing it".</strong><hr></blockquote>

Good summary!

Hi Kat (and all posting here),

Ditto for me on that post by Freeedom. Sorry I haven't e-mailed you back Kat, we're in the classroom for "pre-boards" lectures and now I've come down with a wicked sinus infection . :mad: Hope things are going well and that all of the stessed out folks in your environment own up to the fact that they are (hopefully) adults and are responsible for their own actions, successes and failures!!! I'll try to e-mail you week after next and I'll let you in on my next interview. Best wishes and here's hoping your vacation comes sooner rather than later. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Just read your postings regarding RNs to DO/MDs. I am a critical care RN of 7+ yrs and at the application stage for med school. I'd love to answer some of the questions that have been asked in the past. In response to the first post, I have been lucky to have had wonderful support from my fellow RNs. In fact, many of them are also in post-grad school of some sort. I can honestly say that I have had objectionable responses from only two people. One has a problem with the incurred debt (vs. earning potential) and the other has dreams of owning her own business outside of nursing. All in all, good support though, so I'll pass it on by saying for your coworkers, CONGRATULATIONS!!

I did well (A's and B's) in nursing school, but I was no scholar. I had a seven month old and a two year old when I started. They are now much older and my grades have improved tremendously. I have applied to five schools, 4 allopathic and 1 osteopathic, and have interviewed at four of them so far. I am very grateful.

I don't know where I will end up, but wherever it is, I'm ready. Let's go!

Hello - I'm so glad to have found this excellent site. There appears to be plenty of useful information here.

One day (about 4 yrs ago) I said to myself, "If I could do it all over again, I would have been a doctor." The city that I live in does not have a medical school so I decided to 'settle' on becoming an RN (as moving our family was out of the question). I loved returning to school and did rather well. I have now been working full time as an RN for approx 8 months. Although I do enjoy my job I continue to feel that there is something more I should and could be doing. I have decided (it took a while) that life-long learning is a given... and since there is talk that they may in fact open a med school in our city... I am going to work towards entry into the medical (as opposed to nursing) profession. I am quite excited about this new venture!

I'm just wondering if anyone here is familiar with Canadian application/education processes. (yep... I live in Canada) And, does my nursing education help in anyway with acceptance and the whole educational process? And finally.... just how hard is school??? (just a bit of fear here!)

I look forward to reading more on this site and hope that anyone with helpful information will post something. Thanks all!

I am not a nurse but a social worker. I work in an inpatient psychiatric unit. I have had much support from the residents and attendings, but my fellow social workers feel as though I am turing my back on the profession. Also, the psychologists I work with act as though going to medical school is a complete waste of time, and that I should get a phd. There seems to be this overwhelming sense that all doctors (MD & DO) are malignant and self absorbed. It appears to me that the allied health professionals I work with are more malignant to coworkers and patients than most of the doctors.

Congrats on DO school. I recently recieved my acceptance to Pikeville. Good luck and do not let anyone stand in the way of your dream! :eek: :mad:

Nursey K,

Totally understand you. I have experienced similar switch in field to medicine. And nope, I didn't inform people other than my parents about my decision. Guess what? Same response your mentioned. People are jealous. That's all. But since you are the one who put it ALL the effort to get into med school, you have all the right and privilenge to IGNORE their negative responses. Be yourself! You are who you are and you do what you want.

Remember, you only live once. Live it YOUR way!

Thank you all for your well-wishes! I hope everyone is enjoying the Holidays!

I'm on break (2 weeks...Ooooooo Ahhhhh). It's very much needed. I tell ya, I think just about everyone was getting on everyone else's last nerve towards the end of the semester; the older folks just about had it with the "kids", the "kids" had it with the older folks, and the Professors had it with everyone! ;)

We'll find out our grades when we go back - they won't tell you over the phone, e-mail, or snail mail....AGONY! :p

One semester down, 3 more to go until rotations (where I'll feel a lot more comfortable). H&P Week and Systems here I come!

Kat :D

Ok, Ok....so I just wanted to move this up to the top again... :p

The great update: H&P Week is over; OPEP and CODA continue; our first system (Derm) is DONE and I came out intact. <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> I don't know what's worse though - exam questions from the Ph.D.'s or exam questions from the Clinicians. No disrespect intended, but, I think the Clinicians believe that since they "work" their specialty field everyday, certain knowledge is "common." Let's just say that some of the exam questions involved info that was a little too complex for this stage of the game.... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

On to Musculoskeletal and back into ANA Lab. I was getting to like not smelling bad these last few weeks!

Ted - I hope things went well with the Match. Neurogirl - How's it going in Residency?

...KIT...

Kat :D

Hey Kat,

So glad to hear that you survived!!! Not done with anatomy yet? Eeeks, my niece is at UBuffalo and they were done in Dec! Just listening to you talk about it almost makes me remember that vile and evil smell :mad: Anyway, I've got my inital rank list. I am going to give one of my top choice programs a second look this week to help me make my final decision. Believe me when I say, I am so glad this is over. I am so ready for this to be over and done with (the Match and school). Best of luck to you, hang in there, it really is almost over (for year one :D ) Ted.

Ted -

Good luck! I know things will go well for you!....just in case, I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Kat :D

PS: They split our ANA up. For the next 4, or so, weeks as we progress through the Musculoskeletal system, we dissect the UE's and LE's from our last semester's body. THEN we are finally DONE with ANA...woo woo!

Thanks for the good wishes, yes, keep those fingers crossed, I need all the help I can get :D
Interesting concept LECOM has there, I think it makes sense but I'd still rather be out of the lab <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Keep on keepin' the faith!

Hi Kat,

Glad to hear you're doing well...not that I had any doubts! Boy, time flies, doesn't it! The year will be over before you know it. Just know that the first year is the worst year (at least it was for me). Any ideas yet about specialty choice? Still thinking about EM?

Things are great here, but I'm certainly ready for internship to be over! Can't wait until I'm doing neuro. I must say I have a new found respect for the IM docs. They work harder than anyone and get most of the headaches, but they don't get the compensation they deserve. As someone recently put it, "they do twice the work for half the pay". Anyway, it's hard to believe we're on the downhill slide...only 4 months to go!!!!!!! <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

Keep me posted on your progress!

To Ted,

What specialty are you going into?

Neurogirl :D

Neurogirl -

Good to hear that all is well! Yep, I'm still headed towards EM. I've been in contact with a few of our grads in EM trying to narrow down Residency choices (I'm going to try to rotate thru those Hospitals 3rd and 4th yrs). I get so ahead of myself, don't I? Keepin' the focus... :cool:

We just had our first M/S Exam...[whew]...I can't wait to get 8 hrs of sleep tonite (scary, all that sleep in ONE nite)...or wait, am I obligated to go out for a drink? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Since we are scheduled for only ONE more 3-day weekend :mad: and have NO Spring Break <img border="0" alt="[Pissy]" title="" src="graemlins/pissy.gif" /> I'm taking advantage of any down-time that can be squeezed in! (read: need the sanity checks)

5 weeks of M/S and 9 weeks of Neuro...then we are DONE with our first year already! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

Kat :D

Hi Kat and Neurogirl,

EM is the name of the game here! I'm in Guatemala with DOCARE doing a 2 week rotation. It has been awesome!!!! I just got back from Copan, Honduras checking out the ruins. Match is next month. I'll wind up on one of the coasts, now I really don't care which one, just so long as I don't have to scramble! Got to get going, this is costing me many quetzales! I'll post when I get back next week. Best wishes to you both. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Neurogirl, Kat, and Ted,

I see you have quite the SDN relationship going on here. It's great to see the different levels and years here.

I have a question for you all. Coming from a nursing background, what was your transition into medical school like? Was it easy? For a while? What were the biggest hurdles? Did nursing really help?

I'd appreciate any feedback here, I start in the fall and have no idea what to expect, except studying.

By the way Neurogirl, I love neuro!!! I'm thinking maybe peds neuro. Any suggestions?

I guess I should have said questionS.

See ya!

mdmom -

Ted and Neuro have been a nice source of support for me. Ted and I are both former nurses...Neurogirl is an enigma... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

As I've always stated from the beginning, I don't regret my time in Nursing. I have my experiences that no one can take away from me. I find the "traditional students" having a (relatively) easier time with "memorize and regurgitate" exams; and the 4 nurses in our class seeming to have an easier time with "clinical application"-type of exams (after all, that's what we've been doing for a living). I'm enjoying the clinical apps, personally, and also our limited clinical rotations so far this semester.

I'll leave Ted to fill you in on the later years, and how her background has helped her with 3rd and 4th yr rotations. :D

Congrats and GL in school!

Kat :)

mdmom,

Hi! As Kat said, I'm an enigma (LOL)! In my past life, I wasn't a nurse, but we did have several RNs in my class. It seemed that their experience helped more in the 2nd year than in the first. In the 2nd year, the nurses usually kicked butt in pharmacolgy and other, more clinically oriented courses. Of course, it goes without saying that you'll be way ahead of the game during the 3rd and 4th yr clinical rotations. Glad to hear you're interested in neuro. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to help. I'm sure you'll do fine. For now, your job is to RELAX and enjoy your freedom...it will soon be gone...forever!

Hey mdmom,

I had a lot of issues that cropped up at the time I started med school.
1. I moved 3,000 miles away from home for the first time.
2. My mom was dying, end stage cancer.
3. For the first 4 or more weeks of med school, my furniture was traveling all over the U.S. which left me on the floor for many of my activities of daily living.

I agree with Kat and Neurogirl, I was more skilled at taking exams with clinical applications as opposed to the memorize/regurg stuff so consequently, my second year was easier. It was a pleasure to enter clinicals and get back to patient care in a new role. That was a transition I had no problem making where some of my younger non-clinical classmates had trouble. I felt that this is where (clinical setting) I belonged. I have done very well in my clinical rotations. Approach everything (class work, home life) with the idea that you may need to change your strategy frequently and quickly until you find a style that will help you out. I will answer questions you might have as you go along. It is always a pleasure to help out a fellow nurse. Best of luck to you. ted :cool: :cool: :cool:

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by tedsadoc2002:
<strong>...I'm in Guatemala with DOCARE doing a 2 week rotation. It has been awesome!!!! I just got back from Copan, Honduras checking out the ruins... :cool: </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Aaannnnnnddddd....?.....details, details....sounds like you had a blast! :cool:

Kat :D

It is a blast (I'm still here!!!!). I promise I will post details here when I get back. <img border="0" alt="[Pity]" title="" src="graemlins/pity.gif" /> I'm spending many quetzales to check e-mail, post messages and the like, plus I've got to got to the travel agent and pay for my beach trip. <img border="0" alt="[Pity]" title="" src="graemlins/pity.gif" /> That's Friday )the day before we return. The more practical reason I post short and sweet here is 2 fold, I BROKE MY GLASSES :( and this computer is in a foreign language (repleat with foreign symbols that drive me crazy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> Will check back on the weekend. Hope you are all well!!! :cool: :cool: :cool:

Thanks for your responses everyone. I'm sure I'll be back with a lot more questions. This whole losing my freedom thing is quite frightening <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> or should I say intimidating :(
But I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be. This is what I (we) have wanted for a long, long, LONG time.

See ya!

CONGRATS!!! as you seem that you are already proud of yourself and thats all it takes...you will probably make an outstanding physician because you have the nursing background...and I think that is AWESOME. You can only help to change the system and that is great...I'm really happy to have read about you!! and don't worry, we are all smiling for you here on the net...heh, I know it's not face to face but don't worry yo.
~S.

Thanks for your encouragement!....and, hey, I'm smiling back at ya! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> :cool:

Kat :D

Hi all,

I'm back from Guatemala (well, actually last week). I did a 2 week rotation with DOCARE, that's an organization that was founded in the 1960's by an osteopathic physician. Medical professionals (doctors, PA's, podiatrists, dentists, pharmacists etc.) volunteer their time and supplies to give medical care to people that do not have access to such care. We treated all kinds of things from scabies to giardia, to early arthritis and diabetes.
The country is beautiful and on the weekends, we had the opportunity to visit various historic sites, I just added another country's stamp in my passport by visiting Copan, Honduras.
One of the nicest experiences I have to include here is a house call we made on an elderly woman with rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia, hypotension, and generalized weakness. This woman was unable to visit our clinic because she couldn't walk and her daughter couldn't bring her down that steep mountain. Her daughter flagged my friend down (we're quite obvious in our scrubs and stethoscopes) as we were walking past the booth where she sells food. She told us her mom had been ill for several weeks so we figured (with permission of our administrator) we'd go up and see her. Well to make a long story short, after figuring out her problem list, we went back to the clinic, got her the appropriate medicines, pain meds, inhalers, antibiotics, vitamins, and a prednisone dose pack. We did a follow up wisit 2 days later and low and behold, there was a vastly improved woman, able to sit up, eat, and was placing the blessings of the Lord on us for coming to help her. Her whole family was delighted at her progress. It was an awesome sight. Praise God, His love endures forever!!! So, that is what Ted was up to when she was in Guatemala. Reality hit me with both barrels last week when I started my 2 week rotation at the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office!!! I will NOT be giving up my day job for this one :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Hope everyone is having a good week. Keep those good thoughts, wishes and prayers going for me, Match Day is fast approaching and it feels like a freight train barrelling down on me. <img border="0" alt="[Pity]" title="" src="graemlins/pity.gif" />

Sounds like the trip was well worth it! You were, obviously, very needed there...and really made a difference in many peoples' lives. <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

What a change to be at the M.E.'s ofc now! Actually, I'd like to do a forensics rotation thru a M.E.'s office also (eyeballing Chief M.E. in West Virginia -- if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do it big! LOL!). What are you doing over there (besides smelling bad <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> ).

Kat :D

hahahahahaha, I beg your pardon, I call it "being aromatic" :D :D :D It's kind of weird, because now every time I listen to the news at night, the next day, I'm examining the victim! I've even gotten a chance to sit in on a trial, where the ME was an expert witness. Anyway, I'm going to read my forensics book tonight and catch up on a little TV (no, not the news, I don't want to know who I am going to meet tomorrow). Have a good one. Kat, why don't you do one (path rotation) in Manhattan, you could be in on some high profile cases! :cool: :cool: :cool: Later.

Hey gang!

I just had to share the good news with everyone here. It must have been the silent sounds of your crossed fingers and wonderful prayers that helped me out here, right :D ? Anyway, the hard part is over I'VE MATCHED!!!! No scrambling here! AMEN. To God be the glory!!!! I'll let you know where I wind up for the next 3-4 years on Thursday afternoon. Right now, I've got to get off the ceiling <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Ciao. ted

WooWoo!!!! <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

Now I can uncross my fingers and toes [cramp].... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Congrats! :cool:

Kat :D

Thanks Kat (man, I could hear the snap, crackle, and pop of the uncrossing all the way here in Phoenix :D )

So now for the moment I'm sure you have not been waiting for (because I was doing the waiting here): I'll be back in NY, Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn. It's a brand new program, and so you wonder, ted, why'd ya do it? Well, I went to a brand new school and did well. May sound illogical to you, but it felt right, and I'm pleased. Of course, I'd rather not have dealt with snow, cold and winter or anything less than 50 degrees or similar humidity and higher, but hey, I won't get to hang out too much anyways right? :p Thanks for the support on this forum, you all are AWESOME <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> :cool: <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> :cool:

Horray! Back on the East Coast (the better 1/2 of the country-----hahahahahah! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ). It's going to be weird dealing with the cold and snow again, huh? I'm going back to that vicinity this summer (a little north)...we'll have to find each other and do lunch, dah-ling...they do let you eat in Residency, right? :D :cool:

Kat :)

Dah-ling, you were an ER nurse weren't you? Do you ever even remotely remember taking a bathroom break? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> :p I suspect it may be worse (need a leg bag?).
So I am savoring every last minute of Arizona sunshine (no more 360 days of perfect, cloudless, days :( ). It's in the 70's today with a nice breeze. But maybe, on that rare day off, we should catch up with each other, that is if I haven't developed PGY-1emergencymedicineresident sleeping sickness :D I'll post and let you know when I've been deployed to the East Coast. Til then, I'm. . . ted, the desert rat. :cool: :cool: :cool:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I was NP prior to med school (I did one of the few NP programs that didn't require RN first, so I don't really have the same kind of experience you did). Now I'm well into my third year, and finding that my prior clincial experience is paying off very well.

I have chosen to try to keep my prior experience quiet around both residents and attendings. I had several othter jobs, plus some serious health problems prior to med school which I use to answer the inevitable "What did you do before medical school" question. I decided to keep quiet because I want to avoid having higher expectations for myself than for my classmates. Though the role of physician is different, I'd rather not risk jepordizing any grade by having someone think I should be doing better than I am because of my background.

Plus, the first two years consist largely of sitting on your butt memorizing a great deal of trivia...you may be surprized at the pracitical things you will forget as you clear out brain space. The advantage comes when you get back into the environment when you start seeing patients. Plus the exams in the clinical rotations are largely clincally based and I have found myself answering questions based on prior knowlege, not necessarily on anything I learned during the rotation.

Good luck

Hey md03,

I should congratulate you too, for your accomplishment. Soon (and very soon) you'll be going through the turmoil (unless you know ahead of time that you will match in the program and specialty of your desires) that myself and countless other fourth years just went through. I do hope and pray that the transition is not as crazy as mine was.

I didn't tell any of preceptors I was a nurse either, if they found out (like my fellow classmates tipping them off, which didn't happen often) they did tend to think I knew things I had never been exposed to, so they thought they didn't have to teach it to me. I'm grateful that didn't happen often. I also agree about the tests, I never studied for any of the shelf exams and passed every one (Thank God!!!!!) Best of luck to you!

Hi, i know i posted this in another question but no one answered but here we go. When a nurse goes to med school, does (s)he go there for less time than the other students?

I figured I'd check to see if I could liven this place up since the server was down for a while. Hey is anyone out there? Kat, neurogirl, anyone? Just want to say hi. :cool: <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :cool:

Hey Ted!

Trying to keep my head above water here in Neuro (took the 3rd of 7 Neuro Exams today--this is the system that never ends)! Actually, I feel some NFT forming in my neocortex (next to the SP, of course)...or maybe it's the necrosis in my hippocampus...?.... :p

I've decided to simulate an anterior cerebellar lobe lesion this evening while doing my small vegetable impersonation in front of the TV, catching up on all the shows I've taped. Hopefully, my lateral corticospinal tracts will not give out as I attempt to perform my nightly ADL's..... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

AAAAahhhhhhhh! 31 more days, 6 Exams to go until the end of the semester and my 1st yr of medschool! <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

Keep those fingers crossed to help me stay afloat! Blub!

Kat :D

The sound of fingers crossing from the desert all the way to Erie!

EEEEKS, seven neuro exams, what were they thinking? It's obvious they may not be thinking at all, or too much, oh it's too much for my amygdala, area 44 and 45, my optic chiasm is probably in trouble too! What to do? Should we increase or decrease the amount of dopamine going to the brain, and where are glutamine and glutamate when you need them, I'm so confused.

31 days can't come fast enough for me, that puts me at or after graduation. AAAAAHHHHHHHHH, can't wait. <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

Oh, I ran out of life preservers, keep treading that water, you know I'm out here on mega dry land cheering you on! :D :cool: :D ted

Congratulations NurseyK and all the other nurses on this threat who have been accepted to medical school. I am also about to embark on this journey from RN to MD. I've will start med school in September.

I must say that I have been blessed. My coworkers (for the most part) have been wonderful during this entire process. The nursing staff has really cheered me on. I sorry to hear that some of you did not receive the same support and encouragement. I don't know if it made a difference, but my coworkers were aware of what I was trying to do from the start. They were there to encourage me throught the stress of the MCATS and the entire application process. We screamed together when the acceptances came.

I have only one complaint. When I tell people I'm going to medical school, I get questions like--"Are you going to be a PA?" or "I thougt you were a nurse?"

Thanks for reminding of just how wonderful the people are that I work with. Good luck to all of you starting med school.

Hey there -

We're in the middle of Neuro here - it's the system that never ends (only 3 more Exams to go).

Kat <img border="0" alt="[Pissy]" title="" src="graemlins/pissy.gif" />

Hey Kat,

Time sure does fly (when you are being tortured beyond the bounds of reason <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ). There are only 25, count'em, 25 more days until I hang up that short white coat and badge that boldly proclaims the bearer as STUDENT and take on the title of tedsadoc, D.O. Can't believe I've made it this far. <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

You are in the homestretch girlfriend, don't quit now, you are 1/4 of the way done. I'll be celebrating right along with you in '05 (provided I make it out of residency alive) when you graduate cause I'll hit yet another milestone in this new found career, "attending-hood" (just a tedism here). Well, I for one, am glad to hear that you are hanging in there. I'll be back to post more trivial updates as time goes on. Best of luck on those exams, and my fingers are still crossed. ted :cool: :cool: :cool:

Ted's official countdown:

1. Two more days (and the last 2 days of rotations) until my fourth year is officially over! <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> :D <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> :D <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

2. Eleven, count'em 11 days until graduation and D.O. status.

I just figured I'd share that piece of info with you. Till next time <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

I AM DONE! First year of medschool is HISTORY and my head is firmly above water! Woo-woo!!!! <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

Time to catch up on some serious sleep for about 2 weeks (I already told everyone that I'm slipping into a coma for that amount of time -- don't bother to call <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> )....

After I emerge neurologically intact - but still sleepy - from my coma....Ted, we MUST meet sometime over the summer. I can scoot down to the City by MetroNorth real easy (I used to do it for my job at one time). I'm still interested in a Forensics rotation...maybe check out the digs down there -- you did a rotation like that, hmm? I'm still seriously eyeballing Virgina for it though (might as well do a "dream" rotation at one point in my life, huh?)....Right now, I am sooooooo dern happy that I am DONE with first year!!

Ted, I'm feeling your joy over your new "role" in healthcare! Congrats, and you know my well-wishes are with you always! (hey...do I have to address you as Dr. Ted now?? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> )

Kat :D :cool:

Congratulations Kat!!!!!

But wow, my fingers and toes probably need some counterstrain from all that crossing (for your good luck there :D ).

IT'S OVER!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! SCHOOL'S OUT FOREVER, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, I'M A DOC NOW. Okay, I've calmed down now. Yes, we will have to do lunch before I have to inhale it on the run. I'll send you a pm with info when I get back. Now the countdown to graduation. 9 more days. Ahhhhhhh :cool: <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> :cool:

Hey -- I think we learned finger and toe counterstrain...hmmmm...how's about a little HVLA?? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

oooh noooo not the rack'em and crack'em techniques!!! I just got done doing a 2 week rotation in our OM clinic. It was the best way to end my school career. Dr. Devine is the director here and I think he knew Jones. Anyway, counterstrain is the move!!!! (Though I prefer using muscle energy on my patients)

Dr. Ted, hmmmm, let me contemplate that thought :D Naaaaah, wait until you have to do your EM rotation down here, then we'll talk :D Only kidding.

About forensics, let me in on why Virginia, did you see something about the place I didn't? Maricopa was the move (the desert yields some of the most interesting objects, you never know when you might happen upon someone that someone else was trying to cover up)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by tedsadoc2002:
<strong>....director here and I think he knew Jones.
Maricopa was the move (the desert yields some of the most interesting objects, you never know when you might happen upon someone that someone else was trying to cover up)</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">..sooo...that'll make him about a couple of hundred years old?? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> ....Seriously, we have a Doc here that took classes from Jones too, I guess it was a heck of a class (our Doc here is HOOKED)....I think one of our Clinicians also took a class from A.T., too... :p <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> (OK, OK, I'm a little giddy today)

That sounds mighty gooey...hmmmmm.... :D ....I had someone back home put a bug in my ear about Virginia Commonweath being "THE" place to do Forensics. I guess when you think about it, any and all areas of the country have their "experts" in the field (we even have a nationally renound Doc in the field back home -- ever see those "Autopsy" specials on HBO? He's on there.) I guess maybe now that I think about it, I'm just looking for something "different" from "home base"...but when you think about it..crime is crime..... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Kat :)

Now, now Kat (how many neuro exams did you take?) I wrote "desert" not "dessert" (or maybe I'm confused, just got back from celebrating with one of my classmates).

Though crime is crime, all decomps are not the same. Accelerated (the hotter the desert) vs. the "slow release" (cooler weather) and those darned environmental elements, diamondbacks (no, not Randy Johnson et al), coyotes, etc all make for an interesting brew <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> You just don't find that in the wetter, colder parts of this vast country. But anyway, I've had some profs tell me it was a good idea to have taken this elective, I think you too should "go for the gold" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

This reply is primarily for Sarena, who brought up the issue. Sadly, the genreal public doesnt' understand that the term "medical school" implys that one is going there to become a physician. Therefore, any female who goes to medical school is assumed to be going to be something percieved to be "less" than a physician.

It happens to me all the time. When I moved to the city where my medical school is, the first time I attended a church and told peole I had moved to the city to go to medical school, the response I got was, "Oh, so you are going to be a nurse?" When I'm suturing patients in the trauma center here, they ask me, "how long have you been a nurse?". I walk by patients, they call me "nurse". Male nurses get called "doc" and my male classmates never get called "nurse"

On the other hand, some patients have thought I was acutally the doc in charge of their care. Especially on surgery, several patients (after the chief had talked to them and their family in detail about their operation and what was found) asked me if I was the one who did the operation. Go figure.

Anyway, I'm now starting the process of researching residency programs. It's almost harder than researching medical schools. I came to medical school thinking I'd likely wind up in ER, with surgery as a second choice. I've come to realize that all the drawbacks of ER would drive me nuts. Plus I love the OR. So, general surgery it is.

Oh, yeah, I forgot to answer coolthang's question too. No, nurses don't get any credit in medical school for anything done prior. Pretty much no one does. Several people in my class had masters' degress in things like cell biology, physiology, biochem. The only person who got any credit was a person with a PhD in biochem, and he only got out of the biochem class.

The medical school wants you to do everything their way. Plus, the classes are presented from a very different standpoint. I'd had anatomy before, but never anything like the Gross Anatomy in med school. It's far more detailed. In microbiology, you are taught things like the mechanism of action of the various toxins that some bugs secrete. The focus in med school is a lot more molecular.

Plus, as a nurse practitioner, in those classes we focused more on primary care...how to diagnose and treat otitis media, for example. In med school, the classes in the first two years seem to focus a whole lot more on more complicated things (lots and lots of lectures on cancer, including memorizing the genes that are mutated in various cancers as well as staging). Also the focus is strong on rare disorders. So much so that when you get to the clinical areas, it's very difficult for the average medical student to diagnose common problems. It's as if you learn the rare stuff in the first two years, then the more common stuff in the second two years.

NurseK, and others...

I was a nurse's aide for three years. I'm also a male, so I haven't encountered the kinds of discrimination you've received. (I'm also a traditional student.)

With that said, however, I have encountered discrimination from my aunt, who's a nurse. Every one of my relatives and coworkers congratulated me upon being accepted to medical school, but all my aunt had to say was "So, did you know that I make more than many doctors on a per hour basis." And I was like, good for you. And then she was like to my parents "So, is he going to be a REAL doctor?(implying that I got into chiro school or something)" And "how can he do medicine if he spent four years studying mathematics and physics?"

See, my aunt is one of these people who has always wanted to be a doctor but for some reason or another didn't go through with it. She makes my parents buy these vitamin and minerals and writes "prescriptions" on the bottles as if my parents can't read: "Take twice a day for flu, cold, cough, headache, stress--mental stress NOT physical stress." Cracks me up. But the point is, you guys are right... jealousy happens a lot upon nurses... even family members can get jealous.

moo,

Many congratulations and much good luck in the future!

P.S. your aunt will just have to get over it.

More trivia,

Countdown to graduation: 6 more days.

Just picked up the cap and gown. My sister the DPM will hood me. My niece will have 2 doctors to hood her when she graduates in '05!

And the beat goes on. . . . . . . . . . . .

Way to go Ted!

I'm sure you're modeling that cap and gown around the house like Cindy Crawford.... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

work it..work it.... <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

Kat :D

Kat,

How did you know I had that RuPaul music pumping? :D <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :D

PEEK-A-BOO!!! I see you......

<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

Kat :D

Tedsadoc,
Congratulations...you only have one more day and you'll be a physician. As a classmate of NurseyK, I wish you nothing but the best in life.

NurseyK,
Hey Lady...doesn't it feel nice to be a MSII :-) See you in August...have a great summer...it'll be our last.

just wanted to add my bit on the public's unawareness of what medical school is...I was taking a cpr class at my school this past spring and one of the medics was showing us some techniques. The next thing I know, she turns and asks us, "so, did you guys like have to go to college to come here?" We were all blown away and we thought she was joking but she just stood there waiting for an answer.

then at church, I told a lady a was a medical student and she said, "oh, you're going to be a pharmacist or nurse, right?"

I could go on but I'll stop here.

Thanks apple!

Yes in approx. 42 hours, the D.O. degree is mine, all mine! Conrgratulations on successfully finishing up your first year in med school, the rest now is just icing on the cake :cool: <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> :cool:

tedsadoc,
When you start studying for step 1 of the boards?

I started studying a little bit during 2nd quarter of 2nd year but I was active in many organizations and school sponsored events that it really didn't get cranking until 3rd quarter finals were over and I plugged away at it 8-12 hours a day for 3 weeks. I did well. :cool: :cool: :cool:

I used first aid for the boards and the high yield books.

Thanks Apple - I hope your having as much fun as I am at doing **nothing** :D :cool:

Dr. Tedsadoc, DO....WOO-WOO!!! Make sure you picture me <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> as you work that cap and gown across the stage at Graduation....

Kat :D

Whew!

It's all over, the fat lady sang, and when all was said and done, it's tedsadoc, D.O.
It was nice ceremony (the a.c could have been better) but it was weird to have my name repeated with the title behind it and my huge contingent (family and friends from NY and church family from Phoenix) cheering me on! In the long run an awesome end to 4 long, hard fought, but rewarding years. Thanks so much to all on this thread for the congrats and support. God bless.

Ted, D.O. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Just wandered over here...I am also a classmate of Nursey K and I just wanted to tell you congratulations, tedsadoc! You've shown me that there actually IS light at the end of this very long tunnel! :D

Congratulations again!

Thanks,

LECOM seems to be well represented here :D Good luck to you as you continue on. Sometimes you'll think that that light is a freight train, but in addition to studying hard I prayed (a lot). A little faith in God goes a long way. I have a strong feeling you and your classmates will be partying something fierce in '05. Post then, maybe we can all reminisce about these days <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

DR. TED, DO !!!!!!! <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

woo-woo!

Kat :D

Hey Kat,

How's the vacation going? Getting enough shut-eye? The last of my family went home yesterday and I've managed to sell a few pieces of furniture. I'm hoping to sell the rest and leave by next weekend. I will hate to leave now that summer is in full bloom here (109 and climbing) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Lots of goodbyes to say and things to put away before the desert is just a memory. Can't believe that it's come down to this. Be seeing you eventually (on the East side). tedthedoc.

I'm so happy for you TedsaDOnow... <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />

My brain is just turning into a great big slab o' jello over here! I went to the library and have been catching up on all my favorite authors. June 13th I am headed for Sandles St. Lucia Halcyon -- fun in the sun! I've been pouring over the brochures to the point where I have my umbrella and beach spot picked out already.... :cool: Needless to say, I've been in heavy training -- got to get the ol' liver in shape... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

I'm not sure if I want to go back to work yet. I'm enjoying not dealing with the work bullsh*t, if you know what I mean. I've been chatting with a few of my friends (former co-workers), and the hospital is getting some major BAD press lately (ie: State coming in to investigate, numerous lawsuits, etc). I don't know if I want to get in the middle of all that, ya know? I've already had 2 lawyers call about cases when I was in school (of course, they called at the most inappropriate time before some huge exams); nothing bad, they just needed me and my notes as a witness, blah, blah. I've decided to let things lie, what will be, will be....(I said that to my friend Liz and she told me that I must be relaxed if I'm getting philosophical on her. <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> )

Be safe coming back East to us.

Kat :)

Sandals? WOW, you are someone I should have known (so I could do the Kato Kaelin, just invite myself as the houseguest) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />
Anyway, I agree with you, I wouldn't be walking into that kettle of vile fish at what I would call (if I wuz you) my FORMER place of employment! Enjoy the cool drinks and sunshine for me, I'm not really a lie in the sun beach type (more like how much adventure and trouble can I get myself into). Talk to you soon. tedthedoc.

Well all, I have been keeping up with this thread for some time now, and have found it very inspiring I must add!!!But,now I am at a loss for action, I am currently completing my associates in nursing(less than a year left)-why do a BSN??(will still get paid), and my plans are to continue with my BA in philosophy(jr year) and then work on my required courses and the MCAT..I have chosen to do this because I have a husband and a child, and to not rush the added stress..Yet, I am reading all of the catty ignorance encountered in the workplace..??? Is this a good idea for me to go on and do this? I believed that this devised plan would give me an insight to the medical field and plus a nice pocket of change, but OMG, WTF. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> I have never been one to care about what others think of me, and I am aware that this kind of immaturity is not found everywhere, yet, I sympathize with some of you, because encouragement is desired and helpful...
I apologize for getting off the current subject, but I am very curious and some insights would help..I am only 23, yes, a youngun, prior navy and all the other good recs..Yet, I, ummm, well, what are some opinions....For those of you going on to med school, congratulations and best wishes, and those applying The best of luck as well. <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> Keep your head up, because trouble doesnt last always, theres a light at the end-i know its a lil sappy,but its what my mother always tells me!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> :p

You'll have an associate's degree in nursing? So you don't have to have a bachelor's (BSN) in nursing if you believe med school is where you are headed. Taking your pre-reqs with your degree requirements are quite acceptable (in fact probably preferred).

Your timetable is strictly up to you, remember to always get family input (seems like such a simple common sense thing, but you wouldn't believe how many people forget)about starting up your career.

Some people never find the exact right time for everyone and just have to plunge in. I had no one else but myself to consider so I just went for it. I had classmates (male and female) with children and they got through.

Best of luck to you. You've got time on your side. :cool: :cool: :cool:

My opinion

allopathic schools frown on nurses or any kind of professional....
the thinking is, they will just drop being a physcian for something else if they were willing to change once...

osteopathic schools like people with patient care experience....

jason
AZCOM class of 2006

Thank you all for your input and suggestions,
I am currently in the process of finishing my associates in nursing, in TN and the states surrounding, there is a much need for RN's, as possibly everywhere else, and they are giving away free money to those who desire to become an RN, Im not one of the lucky candidates, but I found it as an opportunity,and I had began the program after I got of the Navy so I figured I would finish, and gain the extra experience, and plus I do not want to add extra financial strain on my family, time is on my side. I plan to apply for med school around 2004 or 2005..

I reread the first reply, I am in my junior year at the Univ of Memphis doing my BA in philosophy and my medschool req's and extras, and of course at a CC completing my ASN....not sure if I misunderstood...but just in case, heres the corrections. :)

hi guys. i'm frm singapore n i'm a newbie. i need
some help here.
i saw some of the posts and it said
tt nurses are accepted to med schools.
how is tt possible? i'm currently pursuing a diploma in nursing. is there anyway that i cld study medicine after my diploma? do i still have to meet the prerequisites? like A level biology, chemistry n physics? i intend to study overseas.
thanx.

caramel_MD

I didn't misunderstand, I wasn't clear in my response, you said you were pursuing a Bachelor's in Philosophy and what I should have said was, complete your Philosophy degree reqs with your pre-med science reqs and that is more than adequate. Like Jason_AZCOM mentioned (and this is what I was alluding to) allopathic (MD) schools are not as friendly to former health care professionals (take myself as a case in point) as osteopathic schools, so your best bet is to complete your degree in something other than nursing.

lilaque,

I am only familiar with requirements in the U.S. Here, you can pretty much get a baccalaureate (bachelor's degree) in any subject as long as you take the required sciences like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics. Then students here (or interested in studying medicine here) take the MCAT (medical college admission test) apply for school and pray hard to get in. Nurses here do not get advanced standing or automatic admission to medical school. I am not sure if this is the information you wanted, but I hope it helps. :cool: :cool: :cool:

lilaque,

I am only familiar with requirements in the U.S. Here, you can pretty much get a baccalaureate (bachelor's degree) in any subject as long as you take the required sciences like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics. Then students here (or interested in studying medicine here) take the MCAT (medical college admission test) apply for school and pray hard to get in. Nurses here do not get advanced standing or automatic admission to medical school. I am not sure if this is the information you wanted, but I hope it helps. :cool: :cool: :cool: [/QB][/QUOTE]

You mean Advanced level chemistry, biology, etc?
i don't have to take the MCAT test if i'm a foreigner?

thanx.

Anyone attending medical school in the U.S. (foreign or native) must take the MCAT for admission, no exception (that I know of).

I do not know what you mean by advanced level, anyone applying must have college/university undergraduate (bachelors degree preferred but can be taken at an associate degree program) level biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. These are the minimum science requirements. Hopefully this is clearer.

man... this is complicated. nvm.
thanx a million anyway. :)

Thanks alot for the information and suggestions...

no problem caramel_md and best of luck to you. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Whew! PALS is over, look out NY here I come (Saturday that is). 106 today and cooking in the desert. I am actually looking forward to a cooling trend. See you then <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> :cool: :cool: :cool:

I'm back from the beautiful island of St. Lucia! I definately did NOT want to come back.... :cool: Good thing is that my sister-in-law just put up a pool, so at least I can pretend I'm in the islands, bobbing in the water on a little Floaty. :p

I took the advice Ted, and it was a good call...no Hospital this summer. I really wanted to work, but not at the expense of possible litigation down the road (PS: it's gotten much worse over the past few weeks). Sooo, hubby is a professional Magician and we've been taking the show "on the road". It's been fun and relaxing -- just what I wanted the summer to be.

Whelp...I'm off to finish doing the sand-filled laundry and go bake in the rays outside (on my porch :( ).

Talk to you soon...safe trip home to ya.

Kat :D

Hey, glad to hear that you are back! I've been back since Monday, long involved story with moving. On my way out right now, will post. I am on orientation (general hospital stuff, like benefits and physicals etc). We'll talk! ted

Hey Kat-
Just wanted to say hi. Enjoying your summer? I'm so jealous you got to go to St. Lucia... :D

I just realized we only have one more whole month of vacation... :mad: <img border="0" alt="[Pissy]" title="" src="graemlins/pissy.gif" />

I know, I know.....!!

I'm trying very hard to let my brain go completely mushy...

Kat :D

Congratulations on your accpetance to medical school! You should be proud of your achievement.

Well, residency has started for real! :eek: Over the last 3 weeks, I've had my head crammed with hospital policies, A,B,C, IV, O2, monitor scenarios, disaster and bioterrorism, scavenger hunts, and of course the requisite "so now that you are info loaded, let's see if you can regurg it on a last day of the classroom sessions" quiz.
:mad: Last night, my second day of residency, I was in the peds e.d. The pace was one that I could handle and I even used my osteopathic palpatory skills to help me confirm a diagnosis on a 5 year old non-English speaking child. :clap: :clap: :clap: . It was great to use these tools.
So Kat, DOtobe, others, (good practice before classes start and the mad rush toward the boards begin) do you remember what palpatory findings will help you confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis? It worked on a rather stoic little boy :cool:
Hope you are all having a great summer. I may not be as free to post as I have in the past, but I will certainly drop by and check in from time to time. PS, the endless reading assignments never stop.

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-1
somewhere in the city

Welp ---

I finally found my old password, so now I can change it and NOT forget it!

Ted, it sounds like all is well with you -- and VERY busy! I know you're just luving it ;)

School has begun again (this past Monday), and we're starting off with CV system. The first test is on Monday (hey, "welcome back", huh? :p ). I managed to find and dig out all my old CV/EKG stuff -- maybe I'll save a few $$$ on books....HA! :D

I've managed to collect all the board review stuff I wanted to buy, now I just need to think of a study schedule/time frame to go with it....The more I'm thinking about it, I don't think I'm going to take USMLE. With my luck: (1) I'll get a bunch of Biostats questions and then I'll be sunk, (2) my worst fear is kicking ***** on COMLEX and doing so-so on USMLE and having that score follow me around while I'm looking for residencies. PLUS, now that the AOA and AMA have both insisted on including a Practical portion of Step II (starting w/2004 or '05 -- ie: my class), I'm not going to spend that extra time and stress with taking 2 full sets of Step II (in essence, 4 exams). Not to mention the extra $$$ spent to cover the cost of exams, travel, food, lodging, etc......Just some thoughts running thru my head....

Kat :D

Hey Kat,

Did the summer fly by or what? You were talking tests, I was talking graduation, then you vacation, then me moving and starting residency and the next thing you know another cycle has started. La la, how this life goes on!!! :cool:

Today is a lovely day (off) on LI. There's actually a breeze and it's cool. Work's been more fun now that I'm in the adult ED, peds just hasn't grabbed me. :rolleyes:

If you are going to take the USMLE you need only take Step 1 and you do not need to report it if you don't fare as well as you had hoped. If you are looking to come back to NY, see which programs will take just your COMLEX scores.

Having been on the national board of SOMA, I had heard that the AOA/AACOM were thinking about this diabolical idea. My heart definitely goes out to you since COMLEX refuses to enter the 21st century and start testing via computer ( and making the test a little shorter +pissed+ ).

Well, it's time to go enjoy the rest of my day off. Good luck on your tests. I'll post when I can.

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine PGY-1
somewhere in the city

Well, I'll say congrats...takes hard work to do what you did. I think some may have kept quiet because they may be wondering if you'll treat nurses differently once you're a physician.

Sometimes, it's just too hard to get real excited about another doctor in the mix. No one wants a flame war, but I wonder why some of you doctors cannot acknowledge that there is really some bad behavior out there among your colleagues. Just the ignorant comment about "changing diapers" says it all. Think for a minute...you put down nurses, but who are you counting on to follow through on the orders you write, keep you apprised of your patients' conditions, and occasionally cover your butt when you make a mistake. You can't have it both ways...if you expect less than nothing, don't look for more than that.

Most nurses I know would walk on broken glass for a doc that treats them as a respected co-worker; by the same token, infantile behavior (like I was treated to by a cardiologist last night in the ED) will get you nowhere fast. By the same token, the ED doc that was on last night is terrific, and I am always glad to see that he's working...great doctor, great teacher, and just an overall nice guy.

Anyway, best wishes in your new venture; I'm sure you'll be a great doc. Anyone that ignores you because he/she is jealous has some growing up to do.

I am quite confused about your post fab4fan. Was there another post prior to yours that was deleted, or perhaps you are randomly selecting posts that you have read and responding to them (and not referencing them) because I can not imagine that you were posting to me.

I realize this thread is very long and it is very hard to go over all of the posts, but I was an ED nurse long before (very long before) I went to medical school. You think I wasn't treated badly? You bet, by doctors as well as my nurse colleagues however I have always been of the mindset that I don't mistreat others just because I have been. That is pure foolishness and not in the vein of my lifestyle of being a faithful Christian.

My colleagues did not find out about my acceptance to med school and frankly back then I didn't really care a bit what they thought. My decision to go to med school was partially fueled by some of the nonsense that nurses will throw at their colleagues (and was thrown at me with a vengeance).

Unfortunately, you will find docs as well as nurses that are angry and unhappy people and will bring their unhappiness into the work place and take it out on whomever. Please do not try to imply that this behavior is limited to physicians. It runs throughout the allied health professions as well and I have seen it, heard it and had to stomach it for years and am again in a situation where I am and will be seeing it for a while to come.
Life goes on.

Thanks for the congrats, and if you weren't referring to me thanks anyway.




:cool: :cool: :cool:
ted, DO
Emergency Medicine-PGY 1
somewhere in the city

Hey guys,
Can somebody please help me out :confused: . I want to know how did you guys make it in med school and what did it takes. I am in Nursing school now and I want to become a doctor after I finish.
Any advice will do!!

Hey Ted -

Good to hear that you are doing well! I'm just picturing you running around in your (now) LONG white coat....hehe!

Medschool continues to be...well...medschool. Cardio system is well underway, with our 2nd Exam looming on Monday am. We are starting to organize ourselves to pick out rotation sites for next year (a completed MS-III rotation schedule must be handed in by Oct) - kinda exciting knowing I'm out of the classroom and doing something that I love again. I have no regrets not "working" this summer - traveling with my husband's Magic Show was a fun and relaxing time (esp playing with our Bunny - what a little ham she is! www.magicbycarlo.com ). I also am just about done buying all the Board Review material I want (only one last book is on order, per our Bookstore). My goal is to get First Aid read/studied by Christmas, then work on the individual subject books from there (in conjunction with what I just did in First Aid). That way, I can keep "refreshing" the material in my head (read: slamming the info in my head with a hammer). Then, from there, go to books with questions, questions, questions. It looks and sounds good in theory....hopefully it's do-able in reality. I guess my big thing is taking time out from studying my current "class" and substituting Boards. I mean, what I'm doing in class isn't just for "class," it's for Boards too... :eek: balance, balance, balance....I'll figure it out as I start to settle-in to the semester a bit more...

Kat :)

tedsadoc: Actually, my post was in response to the person who started this thread, and felt that co-workers were not very supportive. I believe it was NursieK.

But I'll offer you my congrats too, since you've also worked very hard to get through med school. :)

tedsadoc: Forgot to add that I know that bad behavior is not just limited to doctors...nurses have their own weird games (that I refuse to get drawn into).

BTW, very cool that you're a DO; I work at a hosp that is an osteopathic facility, and we get med students, interns, residents, etc. One thing I've really appreciated is that most of the interns I've dealt with are great about sharing knowledge.:D

Hi folks-
I had some time (imagine that) and I read through/skimmed this thread from the beginning and it's so amazing to see your lives (particularly kat/ted) from start to finish.

So here's my plan: I currently live in Nebraska and I want to go to the state school here and get my BSN in nursing, and while I am working at the hospital I will slowly finish my prereq's for med school. After three-four years I want to hopefully have finished my prereqs, apply to med school, and go on my way to be a physician. I of couse would desire to be married and have a family during these years.

What do you guys think?

Ted-what is it like, being a christian and being in med school and being a doctor, especially with all these controversial topics that are coming up (ie stem cell research, euthanasia, abortion, etc). Just thought it would be interesting to get a insider's look about these issues.

Joo

Hi,

Believe it or not, I actually have a day off:) so I figured I'd browse around my old haunts.

To respond to LJoo, It can definitely be done the way you are describing it. One tip that I will give you is to work at learning and getting a very good understanding of the pathophys, micro, and pharmacology that you have in nursing because these will be your building blocks for some of your toughest courses in medical school.

About my Christianity, I was baptised 2 years ago (during my 3rd year). Prior, though I was pro-choice, I did not believe in abortion in fact I turned down a position as a new grad RN in an antepartum unit (I really wanted to work there, geez they were even offering me a daytime slot) because they wanted the nurses to participate in the saline abortions. I never believed in euthanasia. These topics were not brought up or taught in my med school, nor did any of my preceptorships or rotations deal remotely with any of these things.

People in my program and that I work with already notice that I am "different" in that I don't curse or swear at anything, I am not abrupt or push people out of my way (one attending asked me why I didn't when everyone else did) and I try hard to treat people the way I would like to be treated. Yes, I am the "oddball" in the bunch but I think courtesy can be contagious, even in a place like NYC!

Any other questions, don't hesitate to post. Acts 17:26-28.

:cool: :cool: :cool:

ted, hi
where are you at in nyc? you're clearly done w/med school, so where are you for residency?
nyu is definitley a top choice of mine for med school and perhaps even undergrad-but if i can't go to nyu for both, then i'm going to see about doing my residency there.

Thought I'd just bump this up! Hey Kat, what's up in 2nd year? Hopefully it's treating you well. Doing OB-Gyn. Caught a beautiful little girl on Thursday morning. My "no tear" streak is up to 8 (this one plus the 7 boys I delivered in a rural FP rotation during 3rd year)!!! Gotta run, lots to read.

Hey Ted! Good to hear about all of your "kids"....hehehe! Keep up the good work! :clap:

2nd year is going, and going....we finished CV and are in the middle of Resp now. We are smack-dab in the middle of a "5 exams in a row" streak (Mon, Fri, Mon, Wed, Mon) OUCH! :eek:

Needless to say, I'm buried....Thankfully, I'm "bunny-sitting" my beautiful bunny Hermione (Her-my-oh-nee) while my husband is doing some magic gigs out in Las Vagas (bunnies can't fly in airplanes safely). There's nothing like watching a little baby bunny clean it's furry face and "binky" with happiness about parsley when you are stressed out! :laugh:

Talk to you soon....I have to get back to my "Bunny Slave" duties! ;)

Kat :D

:D Hmmmm, bunnies. It's interesting what we wind up doing for "fun" in the middle of a testing tear (believe it or not, I almost had those Sunday afternoon panic attacks from back in second year just reading what you have to do). Glad to hear from you again, just took a breather from reading, figured I'd browse a bit. Best of luck on the exams. Bye.

Heeeeyyyyyy ----

Just had to bump 'er up to the top again!

Finished the great glutton of testing and came out on the other side Okey-dokey. Back to the 1 test every Monday +pissed+

Just started Heme/Onc.... :rolleyes: ....and that's all I have to say about THAT...

Hope all is well, Ted.

Kat :)

doin' just swell out here. The cold, grey, rainy days and early dark nights only serve to cause me to want to get right back on a plane and return to AZ!!!!

just got through delivering a beautiful baby girl. this rotation is fast coming to an end. I look forward to vacation starting at 5 pm Thursday after sign-out rounds!!!!!

Glad things are going well in med school Kat. Keep me posted:cool: :D :cool:

Hey there!

Survived 1st Heme/Onc Exam....one more to go in this system and we flip to Renal. :p

We're about to get tested on Cranial/Sacral vodoo..ah-hem...I mean OMM this coming week. As you can see, I'm buying into this concept full-tilt :rolleyes: Ya know, I'm pretty accepting of a lot of stuff in OMM, but this....?....!....[cue in scary muzak]

I actually caught myself worrying about losing the "OMM touch" by going into an allo residency, but, honestly, I can't see much use of OMM in a hopping ER -- oh, OK, maybe the 0300 s/p MVA bounce-back from few days ago that c/o M/S neck pain when it's "slow", some myofascial/trigger points/counterstrain *MAYBE* or the h/o migraine c/o usual H/A? again big *MAYBE*. I don't know to many DO's in my area that still do OMM (inclu FP and IM). Bottom line, from what I hear, is risk. So, I don't believe an osteo residency is the answer to my concern. I guess just my family and friends (and the bunny -- YES!) continue to get Tx. Yes, honest, I treated the bunny w/myofascial and (what I hoped) was dural sinus drainage/cranial.....she fell asleep next to me, chattering her teeth for joy! Honest! If bunnies could drool I think she would have.... :laugh:

Ted, I'm glad you're cranking out those kids...they don't know how lucky they are to have had YOU deliver them! :clap:

Kat :)

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :cool: :laugh: :laugh:

Those new citizens of NYC should know just how lucky they are!!!

I like craniosacral and I actually wished I had learned it better (oops more controversy). I have to admit the only times I used manipulation was in the peds ed (not much chance of bad pathology, osteoporosis, end-stage CA you know) and that was back in July. L&D was too busy to stop and do techniques (especially when a laboring mom is in transition, watch out, you might get drop kicked).

That bunny certainly is lucky, I wished I had someone doing cranial on me right now z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z (sleeping peacefully).

best of luck on your next section. do you have any tips on good stuf to review respiratory (or didn't you guys do that already)? My niece is having a devil of a time up there in snow country with that section and I have to admit, if it hadn't been for the fact that I was an ICU nurse and had a lot of respiratory physio, I don't know how I'd have done, because that portion was not well taught at our school. DISCLAIMER: (Future med students to my former med school do not pm me on this, I don't have further comment). Any hints are much appreciated. Visit us again soon.

ted

AH, yes, the nursing knowledge (as "lowly" and "un-pre-med" as it was...oo, sorry, was perusing other threads...) was what I referred to also. A friend of mine recommends BRS Physio, Path, and Step-Up for Step I book....she did well in Resp (we did that system before Heme/Onc).

GL to your niece!

Kat :)

thanks for the advice, Kat. I'll let you know how it turned out:cool:

:cool: :cool: :cool: many thanks! hey everybody, how are you doing? Thanksgiving was great, hating this NY weather but hey, what can you say when last year at this time it was in the 50's and now it's in the 20's:mad: :mad: :mad:

makes me want '05 to get here in a tearing hurry so I can get back to the desert.

ted

Just figured I'd wish all a belated Merry X-mas and a Happy New Year. Laptop was on the blink, fixed now. How is everyone? Hopefully well. Doing Peds this month (oooh nooo, disease transporting spuds:D ), let me know what you are up to, Kat, neuro, anyone?

ted

Hey Ted!

Hope you had a good holiday!

Disease transporting spuds...hehehehe :laugh: {Telepathically sending you some extra PMN's and NK's.....}

We're on to 2nd semester 2nd year which means: GI, Endocrine, Repro, Psych, and.....that little tiny thing called "Boards" :eek:
The school is incorporating various Board reviews in each subject every week, so at least each subject matter is being glazed over our eyes (and ears) yet one more time. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I feel a bit of the "Oh, no! Already?"'s going thru my brain! Time does fly when you're drowning.... ;)

Ahhh, back to GI for test in the am....

Kat :D

Still hanging in there with a sinus infection and the peds population, kids are for the most part good, parents that's for another chapter (somehow, their synapses must have lost some fire power):D :p :D Good luck Kat!

May be going back to Guatemala this year for the mission, stay tuned (hopefully, I'm not broke) Bye all

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine PGY-1
somewhere in the city :cool: :cool: :cool:

No trip to Guatemala this year folks, stuck here in the now flooded city area (snow, warmth causing meltdown now rain, what else can happen here:confused: )

Got to get ready for the inservice exam. Hope everyone else is okay. Figured I'd bump this back up.

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicne PGY-1
somewhere in the city

Hey there! Just had to bump it up!

GI is done (finally.....it was the system that went on and on and on....). Going to start Endocrine on Monday. We're going to take the Shelf tests next weekend. I figured I'd take them to see how I'm doing as far as studing (too much detail? too little detail?). $$$ a bit, but I think it's going to be worth it.

Went to OPTC today (basically, Opthal exam training) and had an eye dilated. I can't wait until it wears off; everything's so dern blurry....

Only 10 more weeks until the end of the semester -- but who's counting? ;)

Keep on making us proud, Ted!


Kat :D

:cool: :cool: :cool: bump ba bump bump:cool: :cool: :cool:

Hey Ted, thanks for da bump!

Are you away from the little human incubators yet? or do I need to overnite you some more anti-bacterial soap and a good charcoal-filter mask? ;)

We've oh-ficially finished up with Endocrine. We had a week of Human Sexuality...yes, you just read that right. I felt like I was back in high school -- with the one addition of the porn flicks with the John Madden play-by-play....."This is Bob and Jane. Notice when Bob touches Jane's mons.....{etc}" :rolleyes: and, yes, there was even an exam at the end of the week....{sigh}

On to Repro for the next 3 or so weeks, and finishing up with Psych..ah-hem...I mean, Behavioral Health, and OMM.

I'm finally starting to see that there's light at the end of the tunnel....I took of this weekend to re-charge and refresh, considering we don't have a Spring Break, and we're going hot and heavy with studying until Boards. I relaxed so well these past 3 days, for a moment I even forgot what I was doing out here 7 hrs away from my husband! ;)

Tomorrow I'm going to check out some bunnies. We've decided to add another into the show. Our current bun has gotten a case of "big butt" and can't fit in her illusion anymore (oops!). Not that she's overweight, she's appropriate for her size...it's just that her "size" is a bit too big now. I've been making a lot of calls to breeders, with a LOT of strike-outs. Keep your fingers crossed that this breeder tomorrow has a young white male with a calm temperment! You can imagine the $$ we're losing not having a bun in the act. It's always a draw -- esp the kids shows. :love:

That's all that's up here, I'll keep you informed of the "bun progress." (The poor people that sit by me get inundated with bun stories every day!)

Hope all is well out there in Residency-land....

Kat :D

Who cares what others say about you, be proud of yourself, youve worked hard, and now youve got what so many try for. Go celebrate.

Hey there! Needed to bump!

Almost done with 2nd year -- 8 more days and 3 more tests! woo-woo!!! Then the cranking for Boards begins! :p

Ted - I hope all is well with you out there!


Kat :D


P.S. We got a new bun! He's 4 mos old, 2.3# (before the neutering ;) ), blue-eyed white Polish. He's wonderful! He loves people and likes to be held for "pets"! After a small transition period (read: after I got scratched and bit for 2 days), our 1 yr old doe Hermione LOVES the little guy! They play together and wash each other's faces....only for a limited time each day for now until he's fully potty trained and his hormone levels decline and he stops spraying. They're in love....awww :love: :laugh: We should start to get some pics of him up on the website soon!

First, congratulation for the difficult steps that you have taken toward getting what you want in life! I'm a nurse, who will be facing the same situation as you did very soon... I haven't even taken the MCAT yet, but already I'm afraid. I hate to be so negative about my own kind(aka nurses) but nurses are even known to eat their young(nursing students). How did you manage? Also, more importantly, I wanted to know how the schools felt as far as your nursing back ground, with your desire to go into medicine. Were they interested? Discouraging? Because I've heard, that for many reasons, including the nursing shortage, nurses who attempt to enter med school are frowned upon... that wouldn't discourage me from going out there to get what I want, but I just want to know what I'm getting myself into. Any response would be great... I'm just so worried!:confused:

I think Ted and I have answered this somewhere else...but I just can't find it! OK, here goes....

**IMHO**

The only "problem" I had was with the MD schools. I got a lot of negative jive over the phone (Ex: "So, you want to be like that nurse on ER that wanted to go to medschool?" :rolleyes: ). I didn't get one peep of that out of the 5 DO schools I called. If anything, they were MORE interested in me b/c I was a nurse, older, and had some "experience" under my belt that would afford me a more well-roundedness as a doc. They were the ones that encouraged me to apply (no, they didn't know my grades at that point), and during interviews, they encouraged incorporating my past experience into my future life, and building on my (then) current knowledge base vs. tearing down my past and rebuilding the way they wanted me to be (MD school response to me). I was floored. I felt wanted. DO school was "right" for me.

Most importantly, I haven't looked back. I have no regrets "going DO," and I am honored to be a part of the profession.

Just my $.02 --- you will have to hop into the mix and decide for yourself which schooling is a better fit for you. I know there's another nurse or 2 out there in SDN-land that went MD and is happy. Ted and I seem to have had similar experiences (I believe from knowing each other in a "previous life"....cue in creepy muzak.... ;)). Is it a function of age? years of experience? personality? I don't know. You will figure it out when the time comes. Know yourself well. Trust yourself. You'll be fine.

GL!


Kat :D

:clap: :clap: :clap: I'm doin' the happy dance for ya!!!! Congrats Kat, you're almost to that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

About that creepy music, try the theme song to "The Twilight Zone". But personally (since I agree with your assessment of having known each other in another lifetime), somehow I hear the theme song to "The Andy Griffith Show". Don't ask me why, but that's what popped into my head.

Bunny love, should replace that vile and evil old song about those muskrats, eeeesh. (OOPS, I'm dating myself, a bit here eh?). So how many bunnies do we have now? Are they the "magical" bunnies (IOW, they're in the act, right or is this just the fun pet type activity rather than having your standard dog or cat thing)?

So as you fly towards the finish of 2nd year, I have two weeks left in ortho and medicine is LAST AND MY INTERN YEAR WILL BE HISTORY hahahahahahahahahahaha (diabolical laugh:eek: :eek: :eek: )

Anyone interested in the ted story should turn to page 2 of this thread and: (tune to Beverly Hillbillies) it tells a little story bout this girl named ted, a poor little nurse that turned to medicine instead, and then one day she was. . . well tune in again next week my friends to this locality, to have a bit of sarcasm and ted's hospitality:laugh: I've been on call, forgive me for the insanity, I need to sleep and all will be well. Night all!

ted:cool: :cool: :cool:

Howdy everyone.

Woke up this morning(ungodly hour for a saturday) and read most of what is on this thread. Past ER RN(what are the odds of that ?? ).

My story is a bit different. Did the masters, and was looking at PhDs in nursing when I realized what am I thinking?????? I had one school tell me to focus on a thesis that was less medicine, and more nursing!!! Needless to say, back to med school for me for several reasons. I want more autonomy, and I want to do research....i love research. :love I don't want to do the psychosocial interventinos and preventative research projects that are so common in nursing research. To each his own I guess.

I'm lucky in that I work around physicians mostly now(very few nurses), and I really haven't told anyone I want to go back to medical school. I don't know if you had the paralyzing fear of failiure(AKA not getting in) keep you from sharing the info - but it is one of my problems. Maybe i'm afraid of change, I don't know. All I do know is that I can't do this for the rest of my life...i would be miserable! Did any of you face the same fears/doubts???

:rolleyes

Welcome to the club! I was more afraid of the negative vibes from the nurses I worked with. I did however make this deal with myself. I had to go on a medical leave of absence from work anyway, so I figured when I started my post bac classes, if I don't do well, I still have a job to go back to and no one will be the wiser (or the unhappier, which would have been me). I surprised myself with the tenacity and perseverance I displayed with these courses and did very well the first semester. I stayed out another semester (so as not to compromise my health and my school work) and did even better! I decided at this point there was just no turning back. The only thing to do is stop thinking about it and (as the commercial says) "just do it". Otherwise, you will be second guessing yourself forever. If you were able to get a Masters degree, you do have a lot of what it takes to continue your education. Med school was no picnic in the park, it is very challenging, so if you can't see yourself doing what you are doing another year, month, week, day or hour more, give it a try. You'll never know what you can accomplish if you don't.

ted (the former ER nurse), D.O.:cool: :cool: :cool:

Happy Nurses Week to all at SDN!!!!!:clap: :clap: :clap:

Hi, I've lurked on this thread from time to time but am compelled to chime in at this point. I'm a former RN finishing my third year of med school (6 more weeks aahhhhhh). Like others have expressed, I worried how nurses would feel about me - treat me as a traitor, perhaps?:rolleyes: I was apprehensive and unsure - and in fact tended not to discuss my previous career if I could help it.

But last night in L&D a nurse said to me, "So, what kind of nursing did you used to do?" out of the clear blue. Surprised, I asked her, "How did you know I was a nurse?" and she laughed and laughed. I STILL am not sure what it was I did or said that made it so obvious but I was honored!

I've befriended a few other nurses during my rotations this year, and they've all been very kind and accepting of my career switch. No one's called me a traitor yet! :p Mostly I've gotten "good for you, you must have a lot more energy than me" sorts of comments.

I should note that when I was working on applying to med school I was not working as a nurse. I have heard lots of stories about pre-med nurses who were undermined by their colleagues in their workplace. Sad, but in some ways I guess I understand it... when everyone's stuck in a demanding work environment, and one person is trying to get OUT of that environment, some resentment is probably inevitable. I'm sure it's not an experience that's limited to nurses.

So i feel the need to share this experience. Went in to register for chem 1. Retaking it because it has been a decade(I feel so so old!!!) since I took it. So in the process to trying to sign up for his class at the college in town, i had to go through 3 advisors, finally to have the associate provost sign off on letting me take the class. Apparently, there is a "C Rule" which states that if you got a C or above in a class, you can't retake it! This applies to the state university system. I will have to get persmission for every single class i want to retake!!! But the frosting on the cake came when the provost asked me why i wanted to leave nursing! Caught me off gaurd. Apparently this college just implemented a 4 year nursing program, so she was loooking at me as if I was a defector of some sort!

It feels nice to come here and read posts by mamadoc and ted because you are so reassuring in a sea of ambiguity. The more I read, the more confidence I gain in this road i'm choosing. So for what it's worth, thanks a mil for all the positive optimistic words! On a day like today, it has made a world of difference.:D

:cool: :clap: :clap: :cool: Go get 'em dreamaloud:D :clap: :clap: :D


ted, DO
Emergency Medicine, PGY-1
somewhere in the city

I've got another week or so left and then "THE" exam will be upon me.....it's a good thing b/c I'm getting soooooo fried studying everyday, everyday, everyday....:mad:

I hope this exam is straight forward b/c every review question-book I'm picking up has some really ambiguous questions.....+pissed+

....gee....can ya tell I've had just about enough?....:laugh:....gotta spend more time with the Bunnies. :love:

My husband has the little bun on the road with him most nites and weekends recently with shows, which leaves our doe rather lonesome. Bunnie-Mommie to the rescue!!!

{sigh} I've finally gone 'round the bend....


Kat :)

:D :D :D COMLEX, straight forward? hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, that was a joke, right?:D :D :D

(it's a frightening thing, but I was getting flashbacks to second year med school, studying for boards, I could almost feel the tension, and then I realized I was in NY, that's the REAL reason for the feeling now isn't it?)

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-1
somewhere in the city

(do you realize at this time last year I was counting down the HOURS TO GRADUATION?!!!!????, what a difference a year makes)

I'm still in the collecting information and trying to get a feel of what will be needed.

Really the only things holding me back are being a single mom and kind of old. Ok not real old, but I think I will be real old by the time I get out. ;)

I'm and NP right now. Ok, I am a new NP.

I find the stories about difficulty with fellow nurses interesting. For me it has been my colleagues who keep telling me I should go to medical school. This actually started when I first became a nurse. But shortly after becoming a nurse I got married, put a spouse through graduate school, had a couple kids, then got separate. I was a little busy. LOL

One of the therapists I work with has teased me that I must be kicking myself for putting a spouse through school rather than going to medical school then. Yep, that's it. But I will get over it. :)

There are on DO schools in my state. So I am not sure if that is an option. Though if I go through with this I will look into it.

The only prerequisites I still need are two physics. There's another kick in the pants. I had signed up to take physics way, way, way back the first time I went to undergraduate school and dropped them. Oh well, I was taking them for fun anyway. Took calculus for fun as well.

Well back to the colleague thing. It has often been nurses I work with that have suggested and I mean strongly suggested medical school. I think it hit home though when the doctor I work with ( who happened to also have been my preceptor my last semester) suggested it as well. Caused me to go hmmmm, and think I should research it and think about it seriously.

Well I have written enough for now.

AxisNP

Axis,

Ironically enough, I have had a different experience, b/c most of my physician colleagues are the ones who encouraged me to go to medical school. But in the end, regardless, it is your decision, and no one can make that for you. Sometimes you just gotta ask "What do I want to be when I grow up?" :laugh:

As far as your pre-reqs go, some schools won't take them if they are too old....I am currently in that boat. And as much as I might not want to admit it (grumble grumble), biology has changed so much since you and I took it. I was looking at a syllabus for a genetics class I?m going to retake. and I think we probably covered maybe 1/4- 1/2 of this stuff back then.


And Sky Lizard & Ted: thanks for the encouragement. Keep your fingers crossed for us old premeds!

Well hopefully since I went on the nursing track late my biologies won't be too old. But they will be over 10 years. My calculus will be though and my 1st semester chem. I took second semester chem for my NP program so it isn't all that old at all. I am hoping that if they see I took chemistry something like 15 years apart and still made an A that this will look good. Plus I plan to make pretty good grades in physics in the next year or so ( if I decide to do this) and hopefully that too will show that even though it's been awhile I can still do it.

But you are so correct in how things have changed. The first time through college we only learned about 4 neurotransmitters. I felt like I was learning it all new when I was in NP school. :)


I would also take an MCAT course for two reasons. 1) to get a good refresher of the sciences and 2) to make a good score.


I'm still uncertian and have some things to do. Ah but if I could just win the lottery and have all the funds I need. I would then go. I really would. I have always said if I win the lottery I would be in school for the rest of my life. :)

AxisNP

:cool: :cool: :cool: Good luck Kat on the COMLEX!!!!:cool: :cool: :cool:

Just got back from the SAEM conference in Boston, it was great!
Anyone with questions should ask them now, because for the next four weeks, until I am a PGY-2, I will be submerged on the medical wards, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek! Best of luck to all, keep praying for me (and Kat).



ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-1
somewhere in the city

Hey there!

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Sorry I'm so late responding! It's all over now except the infernal waiting...grrr :mad:

I'm in the middle of my OB/GYN rotation...lots o' babies! It's nice to be out of the classroom and back "at work" again. Nice thing: I'm getting treated great by the nurses...hehe! ;)

One more year to practicing, Ted! woowoo....you're gonna kick arse out there!

Talk to you soon.

Kat :)

:clap: :clap: :clap: I AM A PGY-2, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I lived through the depths of the netherworld (IM) and I came up on the other side, now hanging out and chillin' at the poison control center. Congrats, Kat. I fondly remember coaching those birthing moms, EMPUJE, EMPUJE, mamacita!!!! Aaaaah, glad I'm not there now:D :D :D I missed being here (or anywhere that wasn't inside that infernal ward). Glad to be back.


ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-2
somewhere in the city

bump ba bump bump. bump ba bump bump baaaaaaah.:D :D :D

As a little aside, I wondered if you "transitioning" nurses could share your thoughts on something that has started to worry me a tad. As an RN starting MD school in August (where they assure us we will "try" to take a patient's history in the first month)--how will I resist the temptation to tell the patient that I'm actually a nurse, not an inexperienced 1st-year med student? I would imagine that would be frowned upon--is it cheating or unethical in some way to tell the patient that you are actually a licensed health professional when really you're supposed to be a civilian? Just curious. This is probably a dumb question, but I've never been in a patient care setting where I couldn't claim my "nurse" status and think it'll take some getting used to. Did you guys ever let it slip that you were nurses? Is that OK? Thanks for any input.

Ted! You are da bomb, you..you....PGY II you!!
Hope all is well with you. I've got one more week of OB/GYN left, then I move on to Peds, aka: Mobile Human Incubators, Rotation. ;) They are working me like a dog this last week -- I guess I must have made a decent impression!


Burn -- as far as mentioning that you were a nurse....Sometimes I mention it, sometimes I don't. Most of the time, as you demonstrate a level of competence that is "unusual" for your position in medschool, invariably the next question is: "OK, what did you do before medschool?" It happened early on in my current rotation, and next thing I knew my Doc was running around telling EVERYONE that he's got a former Nurse working with him on his service. :laugh: GL in school. :)


Talk to ya later! :D

Burn,

In the beginning (of med school) I did not tell anyone what I had done in the past, however I was not the type to be dishonest when directly asked, so what was your undergrad degree in? Not many asked directly so it was not so hard to remain anonymous. Many of my classmates had been EMT's or techs (in the ED, in the OR, etc) and since I was a tech before nursing school, I could always relate one of my old tech stories:p There is no "cheating" involved here, remember to always take what you've been taught in med school to embellish on your "foundation". Good luck in school.

P.S. Since you will be in the capacity of being a medical student, you should identify yourself as such. When you are working as a nurse then identify as such. It prevents role confusion, not only for you but for the patient as well. You may come to understand what I mean as you go on in school, but there is no need to identify yourself except in the capacity in which you are working at the time. As Kat mentioned, professionals will notice something in the way you deal with patients that signifies some prior patient contact/experience, perhaps the patient may too, but unless you are asked directly, there is really no need to expound. (IMHO)

Kat, you know you rock as an MS III! go get'em.


ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-2
somewhere in the city

Thank you, Ted and Kat, for your prompt and thoughtful replies. I will certainly have to retrain my brain!

P.S. Ted, my undergrad degree was a BSN. Not much of a cover there, huh? Hopefully no one will ask.:cool:

I was a nurse (RN) for 5 years prior to entering medical school.
I am now a resident at the same hospital that I worked at as a nurse. I can say that my former co-workers are very proud of me and they are a lot nicer to me now that I am a doctor.

I know of two MD's at my hospital that started out as nurses. One is a cardiologist, the other a family practice doctor. Let's just say that they are very well-liked and respected at my facility.

Hello everyone!

I have just joined the forum and have found this thread a very interesting read:) A liitle about me:

I am a UK RN who is starting a medical degree in September (equivalent to your MD, though here they are called MBChB). It was great to see so many of you over in the US have followed a similar route successfully. My degree course will be 4 years in length and is a course designed specifically for graduates from other health care disciplines (nursing, physiotherapy, radiolographers, psychologists etc). Previously I took BSc and MSc degrees in Nursing.

I have had nothing but good wishes, praise and general jubilation from both nursing and medical colleagues after they heard about my intensions to re-train. It is not that common in the UK for nurses to transfer to medical careers, but several others are begining to take the plunge! Entry for older applicants is also becoming more acceptable. A few years ago an upper age limit of 30 was the norm but I have gained entry at 37 and some are even older! Times are changing for the better over here:)

I am curious to know the difference between a DO and a MD degree? Is entry similar and is there a common foundation training or are the courses entirely seperate?

Anyway, nice to meet you all and if anyone has any questions about medicine, nursing or healthcare over this side of the pond, feel free to ask:)

This has got to be the longest thread in the world! It's very interesting.
I have one question. Let's say I already have my BSN and work at a hospital, will the hospital pay for my pre-medical courses? If so, can I work part-time in the hospital or do I have to be full time? Does it depend on if you're a part or full-time student also?
Thanks:confused:

Hello Kev and welcome to the forum!

The prerequisite courses and entrance exams are the same for both the DO and MD degree. Both programs are 4 years in length and the coursework is the same except that as a DO our philosophy is healing the body by helping the body to heal itself. We have course instruction on osteopathic manipulative medicine for the first 2 years, then attempt to apply it during our clinical clerkships (in 3rd and 4th year). I have tried to use my training but I work in an extremely busy Emergency department so I have to admit, I am not using it as much as I had hoped.

Good luck in your courses Kev and keep us posted on your progress! Kat, maybe we should venture across the pond, and let'em all in on what it's like on this side of the world:eek: :laugh: :D

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-2
somewhere in the city:cool: :cool: :cool:

to answer your question tahitian, you have to speak to the person in charge of benefits in the hospital where you are employed. they will tell you how you will qualify for tuition reimbursement. these benefits vary from hospital to hospital so your best bet is to ask the person in charge of benefits. ted

Hey there Ted!

Just thought I'd post an update....

I finished up my OB/GYN rotation last week, and have now started on Peds. I'm still working like a dog....I've decided that I'm going to hang a shingle off my neck saying, "I am the MS-III, not the _______ (Intern/Resident/Doctor)." How is it that I'm getting more responsibility than the people who are "supposed" to be having it? My friend keeps telling me to take it as a compliment -- that they trust me and believe I am competent to handle it without the title. Maybe it's because I come in ready to work, and START working without someone directing me, when I hit the unit or the office. I don't know. I just know that I'm frustrated and bored with the routine and it's only the end of the first week -- five more to go...[sigh] :rolleyes: There's no TV hookup in this house either, so I'm going to have to start doing SOMETHING with my time off -- gotta find the gym, rent a DVD to watch on the computer maybe. I took House Officer call this week (read: I was volunteered). A bright spot was that I got to spend the whole 12 hr nite shift with a really cute intern...hehehe :thumbup: :wow: "Why, yes, Doctor, do all the stool OB's? Whatever you would like me to do..." :D :laugh:

We should be getting those dern pesky Board scores by the end of this week or early next week. Maybe that's what's bugging me...the suspense of the WAITING....grrr :mad: +pissed+ You would think that being in the computer age would speed things up....oh, wait, we're talking AOA and NBOME here....I ought to be glad that I didn't have to take the test on my own little slate with chalk.... ;)

Talk to you soon --

Kat :D

Originally posted by tedsadoc2002
Good luck in your courses Kev and keep us posted on your progress! Kat, maybe we should venture across the pond, and let'em all in on what it's like on this side of the world:eek: :laugh: :D
Thanks for that info Ted!We have osteopaths in the UK but they do not follow a medical doctorate program and can not prescribe drugs, so sounds very different to being a DO in the states.

Of course you should come over to the UK so we can show you how its done over here!!!:D Do you guys have an elective module on your courses where you get to study overseas? We have an 8 week module in Year 3 during which we can go anywhere in the world to study something medically related:clap: Sometimes, if it's timed well, we can even get a vacation added on the end:cool:

Well this week is my last week as a working RN! I then have a 6 week vacation before starting med school in September. Bring it on:laugh:

Hey Ted --

Just wanted to let you know that I passed Step 1 by a decent margin -- woowoo!

I'm in the midst of Little Human Incubator Land....and thankfully not ill yet. I get to start and end my day in the hospital with the new babies, and in between go to the office (yuck). I'm just not an "office" person...good god the PARENTS! :rolleyes: "And you brought your week old infant in today why?" "B/c he sneezed." "Uh Hhhhhhhh...." "And he didn't burp quite as fast after feeding him today like he usually does." "mmmm Hmmmmm...." :p Gotta luv it :laugh:

Hope all is well with you back in good ol' NY. I have to admit I miss the home state -- not that PA isn't a nice state, but, well, there's no place like the homefront. Plus everyone tawks nawmal back home... ;) :laugh:

Talk to you soon!

Kat :)

Kat,

You and my niece should really meet, I don't know why you both worried so much (but then again, what did I do then? early Alzheimer's cain't quite remember that fer back:D :D :D )

You know, I did not get sick during outpatient peds, I got sick during family practice when my preceptor sneezed directly ON ME!!!!!:eek: I didn't exactly like office practice either, but I got to follow my patients all the way around (espec. with FP/OB) one day I'd be caring for the expectant mother, then I'd deliver her, then I'd see the baby in well baby clinic. Can't believe I did all those things once upon a time.

The ED is hopping, just got back from an evening shift, it's funny now how much more comfortable I am these days, now if I could just figure out what I'm doing :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Kev, we have "selectives" (pick from a pre-planned group of electives) and an elective in our last year of residency. We are fighting to get them to allow us to go outside of the hospital (they don't want us to leave) for our elective and since International Emergency Med is what I might decide to do a fellowship in, this would be beneficial. Well, got to catch some z's so I can be fresh for church and then the overnight shift looms. Night all

ted

doin' da bump:D

Bumpin' right back at ya, baby! :laugh:


I just started my Wally World (aka: Psych) rotation this past week. Seems OK so far. Going from 0930 - about 1700....kinda stinky hours for a Psych rotation (most of my classmates had afternoons off), but it's not like I'm slaving all day over here. The hardest part of the rotation is staying awake when these people start babbling on and on and on....zzzzzzzz...oh, gee, sorry, tell me about those voices again....?.... :D As you can start to tell, I'm becoming very therapeutic.... :p ;)

Hope all is well, Ted! Talk you you soon.


Kathy :D

Hey NurseyK,
I'm invading your nursing thread to say hello! How are things going? Psych till 5 does kinda suck...I was done at 3:00 on most days!
Well, I hope all is going well. Two rotations down, how many more to go? :D

The beauty of my psych rotation was that

1. It was a state facility (and there were some legal holidays though the school was open, we were off. that was awesome)

2. my preceptor felt that if there wasn't much going on, you could better spend the time reading where ever you needed to (like home:D )

3. it was in January and the weather was nice plus I had 2 visits from friends and family so I had enough time to enjoy the sights with them.

I could NOT imagine having to sit there all day (I was in a PRISON unit):eek: :eek: :eek:

My ED month is winding up this week then it is off to the critical care units (hmmm, hopefully not like wards). Hope you haven't decided to go psycho on us Kat:D But if you do, there's a nice ward eh, I mean, residency here in the city just waiting for you!


ted the ER doc:cool: :cool: :cool:

Hey, my mom is a nurse (RN/BSN). She makes a lotta money (over $100,000)

ULTRON

Hey there all!

Only 3 more weeks to go on Psych....then on to Family Practice (and home with my Bunnies). I was home this weekend with the fuzzy li'l creatures. :love:

I HATE these 6 week rotations :mad: I'm sooooo done after 4 weeks. I'm going to just DIE during my IM rotation after FP (it's 12 weeks --- AHHHHHH :eek: ). The place I'm doing my IM at is one of the places I'm thinking about doing my Internship. On the up-side, after those 12 weeks of being an employee...ah'hem...I mean being on rotation...I'll pretty much know if I want to apply there or not! :laugh:

I'm going to try to keep my sanity for the next few weeks. I tell ya, one more "I'm so depressed/anxious....blah, blah" I'M going to need some Paxil with an Ativan chaser! :p

Talk to ya later!

Kat :D

PS: No call on this rotation (woo-woo!); but no cute intern either :( :laugh:

bumpity bump bump,


I agree with you on the length of things, we had 4 week blocks and I was grateful. I am also grateful that it's what we have as residents too. Sometimes, certain things can't end too soon (like a month on the wards:laugh: :laugh: ) Now did I say that?:laugh: :laugh:

ted

Got my eval for the rotation today...I gave it to the Doc yesterday thinking he'd take the weekend to do it b/c of call for the next 2 nites. Next thing I know he's handing it to me today.....woo-woo! Just call me slacker for the next week! :laugh: I told him thanks for the kewl B.Day present! :D


Kat <--- one year older today :hardy:

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Now if you've made it as far as I have at the ripe young age of 5,279 (that's 3277 BC or if you want to be agnostic BCE), let me know and we'll really party.



ted, the justified and the ancient

Doin' da bump.....

Hey Ted...thankx for the B.Day wishes! :o

I finished Psych with my psyche intact...:laugh: The rotation turned out to be better than I expected a "psych" rotation to be. Now, not that I want to go into Psych mind you. :p

I'm into my FP rotation now...caca is what I have to say. Back into the dreaded office. Thankfully, my Attending is the Director of the FP Residency program here...that means lots of "administrative task" time. I was honest with him about my background and how I feel "stuck" in an office all day/every day (read: drained and dare I say depressed)...ssoooooo....after watching me with a few patients in the office, he now lets me tag along with the Medicine team and their Attending instead of staying in the office and tagging along with a different Doc or PA while he's "administrating". I must say that I've been getting the sh*t pimped out of me, but the Medicine team Attending nudged me in the elevator the other day and said, "Hey, you're pretty smart." :o :D The residents I was with nearly fell over...along with me! Here, I thought I wasn't answering anything right! :laugh: Medicine rounds aren't exactly a cake-walk, but at least I feel stimulated and thinking (I know, that sounds weird). My IM rotation is next, so I'm trying to pick up some rounding pointers from the residents now (they are really nice to me, considering I'm basically this huge parasite a few days each week).

Welp, that's my story and I'm sticking with it....:clap: ;)

Kat :D

bring it on up!!!!

can't believe that my second year is almost at the halfway point!!!!!

I am almost at the start of my 6th rotation (those germ incubators again:D ) and I've got to start thinking seriously about taking step 3:eek:

I think this is interesting that in 18 short months I'll be unleashed on the world as an ATTENDING, EEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK.

But on the upside, if I'm lucky enough, I can go to where the sun shines all day, aaaah what a thought on a miserably rainy day and my sinuses are not being kind.

Kat and all, hope things are going well out there.

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-2
somewhere in the city

Wow. This have become a greater thread than the one I remembered! This thread is writing history -- nurses back in the days did not go into medicine, but clearly they are now. Despite being older, from a different health field, you guys have shown that it can be overcome. Keep up with the interesting stories -- I know I feel like a secret stalker, but I can't get enough. Perhaps someday I will have my own tales to tell.:p :p

Hi all,

I figured I'd bump this back up to the top. Doing the Peds ICU this month. Interesting pathology going on here DI, CAH (complete with ambiguity), Dandy Walker syndrome, stuff I thought I'd only see in the textbooks. Off on Thanksgiving, sweet deal! Interview season is almost upon us (wow) and there'll be more free lunches to attend:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Hope everyone everywhere has a happy healthy Thanksgiving, see ya when I see ya!

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-2
somewhere in the city

Congratulations on your accomplishment. I only read the first page of this thread, but you do seem to be looking for praise, a pat on the back, etc. Your family and friends can give you that. You did this on your own, not involving them to begin with, I think you should continue that way. Seeking validation and praise from others is useless and just creates stress and resentment when you do not get it.
Anyways, good luck in DO school!!!

I am an idiot. The above message I left is two years too late.
Sorry:(

hahah...that was kinda funny...

but, nonetheless, im sure ur congratulations is well received....this thread it pretty interesting..

Hey there!

Glad to hear you are doing well, Ted. Take that DERN Step 3 already, will ya! Wait any longer and you'll be taking Step 3 and EM Boards back-to-back!!!! :laugh:

I'm sure you've heard about the COMLEX-PE for Step 2 for our class of 2005....yuck....heck, what's another couple of thousand dollars on top of the "mortgage" I've accrued so far? :rolleyes:

All done with FP now. Onto IM. I tell ya...there must be a reason why I get the same personality type (read: nut case) over and over again in my life. (Must be a life lesson in here somewhere.) I have a HUGE nut for a Resident for the next 4 weeks. As an example, he/she believes that I (the MS III) should be rounding each and every day, including my days off-call and every weekend, also, none of my H&P's or daily notes should be included in the chart. :eek: Ya just have to luv the thought of spinning your wheels! I'm here for 3 months, so I'll be going thru Attendings, Residents, and Interns more frequently than I change my undies. Uh..wait...maybe that doesn't sound right... :p Gonna have to make my own rotation on this one, since no one seems to know what to do with us pesky students... :)

Talk to you later!

Kathy :D

:mad: :mad: :mad: That comlex thing was on the drawing board when I was on the National Board of SOMA and we did not (as students) think it was such a good idea but who ever listens to students, oh by the way the AOA theme for that year was "Year of the Student":laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

You're right on the back to back step 3/EM boards thing, why rush when you can't even moonlight (my program prohibits it).

There is always some nut a squirrel didn't take a good hard bite into that decides it might just want to bite back. Just squash'em Kat you know you can run rings around that cracked nut any day and Sunday to boot (it wasn't any easier when I was an MS-3 with just an attending, because if they didn't want to deal with you, they just didn't).

Keep your chin up. The ancient one has just added another to her years of ?wisdom? 5,280! What a life. Hope all goes well the rest of the way in IM. Keep us posted


ted:cool: :cool: :cool:

Could you hear me sigh all the way over there in the City?.....

Had post-call day today (read: cleaned up the mess from last nite) AND nooooo nutty Resident today. Just us chickens with the Attending and it was ssssooooo nice....:hardy:

Back with the nut tomorrow...DDDEERRRRNNNN {pout}

But, on the up side, we have a Grand Rounds presentation tomorrow morning on "Osteopathic Medicine" right here in this little ol' allopathic hospital (OH MY!!). Now maybe my Team of 5 MD's might be able to figure out what this humble DO MSIII keeps talking about! :laugh:


Kat :D

Unless that sigh was interspersed with the wicked winds that are causing the evil 2nd blizzard of '03 (the other one on President's Day). When is 2005 going to get here, this weather will be the death me, I need a solar infusion and mega heat therapy!!!!

Tomorrow is my call day, usually the ride into the city is 45 mins on a good day, an hour and change on a bad day, and on a day like today (what with all the speed deamons) with ice and snow, lets go for 2 hours and change. That wouldn't bother me much but add to that the frustration of trying to get out of an unshoveled driveway (a hgb or 9 or less is not conducive to shoveling) and you'll see why I want to head for the desert on the fastest flying carpet.

I haven't heard much in the way of osteopathic things in a while, and I do miss it. Maybe (as the pioneer DO in my program) I should give a conference based on it. (That means more work, er, maybe I'll wait for the junior DO's to do it:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: )

Keep that nut case on his/her toes! I know you can do it. Keep that magic number in your head 2-0-0-5, it'll be here faster than you know. Keep up the good work Kat!


ted:cool: :cool: :cool:

:cool: :cool: :cool: Doin' da bump!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!! Hope everyone has a great holiday (hopefully you'll be off, like ME, hahahahahaha)

or should that be hohohohohohohoho!!!!!

see ya!

bump?

OOOOOOOoooooooo --- I've let this thread slide too far down!

I'm on the evil of all evil rotations -- IM. For 12 loooonnnggg weeks. This sux badddd. Thankfully I'm doing sub-specialties now (Pulm/Crit Care, Cardio, ID, GI) for the next 4 weeks so all should be much better than the day-to-day hell on the wards.

As I click my heels together...only 1 year and 4 months, only 1 year and 4 months....;)

I guess I should start thinking about this whole scary match process...maybe buy a First Aid type book for more of an explanation of the match than my school gave us (which was NOTHING!)...?

Ted-the-Pioneer, I know you are doin' us DO's proud down there in the City! :cool:

Kat :)

*off topic* lol, "bunny slave". kinda kinky.

Hey all,

Kat, get Iserson's book. I got it for my niece (stupid me, I didn't get one for myself, I did get First Aid for the Match which was okay) she says it is great. My school wasn't all that forthcoming with match news especially if you were going allopathic.

In school, working on the wards was not as bad as when I was an intern, but thank heavens I wasn't lulled into a false sense of security when I decided what specialty to select when I was going through the match process!

I am in the MICU this month and I am loving it (from a former critical care nurse). Wished I could do a fellowship in critical care but I don't think I can be board certified:( So 16 more months for me too, and then the TRUE TRANSITION BEGINS!

We can make it (I know that we can, I know darn well we can work it out, oh yes we can, can yes we, oops an OLD OLD song)
got to stop now. Best wishes to all, from the frozen tundra

ted, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, PGY-2
somewhere in the city:cool: :cool: :cool:

Thanks for the book suggestion, Ted! I'll add that to my list of books to order for the springtime.

1 week and 2 days until the end of this rotation. I've been with this really kewl Crit Care Doc. He's figured out what a procedure-whore I am and, thankfully, is the type of guy that let's me actually DO stuff -- woo, woo! :clap: I feel quite comfy here at this hospital, so I'm getting a bit sad about leaving (oh, man, this whole medschool stress thing has made me go soft now!). They do have an AOA Internship here. I'm thinking heavily about coming back for it. I guess my question would be: does it really matter for Residency where you've done your Internship? or is it just a matter of getting the year done, putting the check in the box, and moving on? I've got a few more hospitals to check out, so I'm going to try my best to keep my mind open....

I guess I should get back to my knots (the pre-surgery rotation jitters have kicked in).....knit one, pearl two....ooh, wait, that's something else. Damn, no wonder why these knots don't look right! ;) :laugh:

Talk to you soon!

Kat :D

Hi Kat !

I have followed your post for a long time. Great info. Just curious, You haven't mentioned about your husband lately ? Are you folks still together ? How did he react with your time spending away for school and clinical rotation ?

I may go away from my wife for awhile to attend dental school this coming August. Hope we can handle it for the next few years.

Hi Larry! Thankx for following my humble thread :o It's become quite therapeutic at this point!

Hubby is doing okay, thanks for asking. I'm basically living out of my car, travelling to a new hospital every 6 weeks. I get home when I can. Most of my rotations have been within a reasonable distance so I can get home on weekends when I'm not on call (or exhausted). I've been spoiled by being home for the last 6 weeks, so it's going to be hard to get on the road again (I leave for Pennsylvania on Sunday). That's another reason why this hospital I'm leaving now looks so good for Intern year -- I'd be able to come home to my own house every nite. Hubby needs to stay where he is for the magic business (most of the gigs come from NY, LI, NJ), so him moving around with me is not an option. Plus, most importantly, he's gotta take care of the Show-Biz Bunz! :laugh:

Been out :hardy: tonite and now I'm :sleep:

Tune-in this week for new rotation drama! :laugh:


Kat :D

Hey all!

I'm currently on my Surg rotation. I'm hooked up with this really kewl 2nd yr. We don't have an Attending this week (he's on vaca), so needless to say it's a little sssllooowwww. We are doing rounds with one of the other Surg teams. On that team there is a MS III and MS IV. Let me tell you what an *****-kisser the MS III is! He shoves me out of the way on rounds and tries to give me "advice" about being a star student ("you should go and fetch the charts for us"). :rolleyes: I thought I was gonna kill the kid! My Resident (and the others) do notice this kid's antics -- I mean, you can see his *****-sucking from across the room. :wow: So now, after this kid pulls off some kind of *****-kissing scene, my Resident looks at me and I rub the tip of my nose and we both try not to crack up in front of the entire team. :p :laugh:

I still think I'm going to go back to my last hospital for Intern year (AOA). They made the offer before I left the first time (after FP rotation) and asked again before I left the 2nd time (after IM). I really miss everyone there. I felt really "at home." What the hell, right? From what I hear, where you go for AOA Intern year doesn't matter. You get some great letters of rec from it, the AOA puts a check-mark in the box that it's done, and then you move on to do whatever Residency (I'll do the Allo Match for EM after Intern year). I just hope that I can find a Residency that I feel as comfey as this hosp I'm thinking about for Intern year....

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! :clap:

Ted -- hope all is well out there in PGY2-land!


Kat :D

Originally posted by NurseyK
Hey all!

I'm currently on my Surg rotation. I'm hooked up with this really kewl 2nd yr. We don't have an Attending this week (he's on vaca), so needless to say it's a little sssllooowwww. We are doing rounds with one of the other Surg teams. On that team there is a MS III and MS IV. Let me tell you what an *****-kisser the MS III is! He shoves me out of the way on rounds and tries to give me "advice" about being a star student ("you should go and fetch the charts for us"). :rolleyes: I thought I was gonna kill the kid! My Resident (and the others) do notice this kid's antics -- I mean, you can see his *****-sucking from across the room. :wow: So now, after this kid pulls off some kind of *****-kissing scene, my Resident looks at me and I rub the tip of my nose and we both try not to crack up in front of the entire team. :p :laugh:

I still think I'm going to go back to my last hospital for Intern year (AOA). They made the offer before I left the first time (after FP rotation) and asked again before I left the 2nd time (after IM). I really miss everyone there. I felt really "at home." What the hell, right? From what I hear, where you go for AOA Intern year doesn't matter. You get some great letters of rec from it, the AOA puts a check-mark in the box that it's done, and then you move on to do whatever Residency (I'll do the Allo Match for EM after Intern year). I just hope that I can find a Residency that I feel as comfey as this hosp I'm thinking about for Intern year....

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! :clap:

Ted -- hope all is well out there in PGY2-land!


Kat :D

wish luck to all of the PGY's regardless of year number!!! ya made it!!!

First off congrats.

Second off, why I think they didn't congratulate you:


In today's society the nursing shortage is growing to be worse and worse and worse and the hours and amount of work they have to put up with is crazy for the much lesser pay they get.



Everytime one nurse leaves to go to medical school it decreases the amount of the nurses by one each time and increases the work load of all of the other nurses and the stress levels.


That could be why they are not so jolly about you gettin in. That's just my point of view.

TTTEEEEEDDDD -- where are you? Are you still in the Unit? I'm doing EM next rotation and I can't wait to get back on familiar ground.

My Attending came back from vaca, so we are slightly busier than last week.....[sigh] only 4 weeks and 4 days to go....

Gotta take Medicine house-call tomorrow nite (gotta luv it -- on a surg rotation and I have to take medicine call too -- ouch) :p

As long as I can stay out of the Firing-Range (ahem...I mean, the OR) I'll be ok. I never thought I'd say that, considering I like to do procedures and get my hands in everything I can. Probably has to do with the huge amount of testosterone that my poor little ovaries are trying to stand up against.... ;) :laugh:

Gotta make an attempt at studying tonite (read: stare at some pages until bedtime). It doesn't help that I'm living with 3 MSIV's who have already Matched for FP and are just waiting around until graduation! :laugh:


Kat :D

Soooo --

On lovely Surg rotation now. My Resident (buffer) is on vaca for a week so it was just going to be me and the Attending :eek: , but they found an Intern that wasn't too busy (does that even exist?) and hooked him up with the service until my Resident gets back. At least someone else can share in the yelling and chastising from the Attending ("Honest, Sir, my head is NOT up my *****..."). What I find amazing is that these guys spend all day busting each other's ballz, then go, "Hey, dude, let's get a beer." Meanwhile, I'm still vibrating from the hollering all day. I guess that's just the difference between how men and women relate to each other. Hell, I've heard how stupid women are so many times now I just go, "Yep." My Attending turns to me (after an *****-chewing) and says, "You know, you ought to be a Surgeon." NO THANKX, buddy, I'm going back to my nice safe ER. :D

My Medicine call nite went fine -- thanks to a kewl Intern (who wasn't too bad to look at either :thumbup: :wow: ). I'm hoping I don't get snagged for another Medicine call (I'm here for another 3 weeks) -- I'd rather do a string of nites than a 24 hour call each week, ya know? I still need to pull a weekend for Surg call (sigh)....

I guess I'd better get back to looking busy ;)


Kat :)

Wow, it's been eons since I've been here, hasn't it? Finished the unit early Feb and I was sad. On my last day, I did a presentation on RSI, then wouldn't ya know it, I wind up demonstrating it on a pt going down the tubes:rolleyes: We had 3 expirations that Friday and I didn't leave until after 1900, but all in all it was a good day. Back to the ED then vacation, where I studied for the Inservice exam (it was hard this year) and now I'm back into the ED with a vengeance. How many more months Kat? 14 is it now?

Somehow I didn't think surgery would be up your alley (your rotation sounds as bad as mine, except that I had no intern or resident to buffer me, it was me and the attending, talk about bashing).

After May 2nd you may not hear from me for quite a while, so keep the lines of communication going w/o me (I'll be doing trauma, call q3, eeeeeek) Hope all is improving for you Kat, hi to all else.

ted
:cool: :cool: :cool:

1 week and 1 day to go until this rotation is HISTORY!

To be more precise, since I am post-call one day next week, only 5 days until this f*%king rotation is over. To add to my crappy mood, I lose my kewl Resident to another service. I get someone else on Monday, who I don't really know all that well...LOVELY, I say, just lovely...

I still need to give my chauvanistic-Attending-who-paid-no-attention-to-me-except-to-throw-insults-at-me my evaluation form to fill out. I don't know which way the eval is going to go. He and his caveman attitude are wearing VERY THIN on me these last few days, and I'm finding it harder and harder to smile and nod my head "yup, yup, yup" at all the crap that falls out of his mouth on a daily basis. He asked me today, "So, how are you holding up [giggle giggle]?" I smiled back at him with the biggest and toothy-ist smile I could manage and thought to myself: just wanting to kick you square in the... :o I'm going to give him the eval tomorrow so then maybe I can get it back on Monday and re-adjust my attitude accordingly. +pissed+ I really don't think I can be a Surgeon. There is no way that I could keep up this facade for the next 5 years of my life -- plus, I'd probably come out with a bee-ach attitude to boot. I just like the procedures anyway, not a good enough reason to be a surgeon. Plus, I glaze over at every surg lecture. :sleep: I guess you can take the girl out of the ER, but you can't take the ER out of the girl. ;) :D

Ted, write back when you get a chance and give me a reality check, will ya?!?!

Kat :)

Girl,

I know how you feel!!!! I had a misogynist for surgery and my first year mentor here was too! Real tired of the 'tude. There's this female surgeon (now PGY-3) that was so cool last year, I cannot believe the personality change over the year, more sarcastic, condescending, just downright evil. No, you can't take the ER out of the girl, it's in the blood. Enjoy the rest of your rotations, the closer you are to graduation, the sweeter it gets. :hardy: :hardy: :hardy:


ted

Hi NurseyK,

I've been reading alot of yer threads. Can I say its really cool to read about the day in the life of a med student. From when u first got accepted to now almost graduation. Its a joy to read. Good Luck and I hope u get yer match into a residency or internship??
I'm looking into going in to PA school. I'm a medical technologist right now and I do enjoy lab science. I'm not too much of a people person but that could change with time. I don't really have a desire to be a doctor or go to med school for 6-8yrs. Have any advice for someone wishing to be a physician's assistant?

I'm looking into going in to PA school. I'm a medical technologist right now and I do enjoy lab science. I'm not too much of a people person but that could change with time
Wouldn't a PA have as much, if not more, contact with patients than a doctor? Just a thought! :confused:

"Have any advice for someone wishing to be a physician's assistant?"

YUP
#1 THE NAME OF THE PROFESSION IS PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WITHOUT THE 'S.
#2 KEV IS RIGHT. WE SEE AS MANY PTS/DAY AS THE DOCS SO " NOT BEING A PEOPLE PERSON" WOULD BE A PROBLEM IF YOU WANT TO BE A PA/NP/MD/DO UNLESS YOU WANT TO GO INTO RESEARCH OR PATHOLOGY

OOooohhh my -- I've let the thread slide again! So, onto the update --

Surg is over and I came out on the other side OK. I have been renewing my chi energy doing an elective 2-wk acupuncture rotation (fun!). I eventually want to get licensed to practice acupuncture as a doc. I think a good stress-relief-sideline will be to set up a part-time practice just doing OMT and Acupuncture. Cash only -- that will cut down the drug-seekers and worker's comp scammers. (Sorry to be blunt, remember JMHO..)

I'm back in the ED, or shall I say I'm "home"? I forgot just how much I missed it until I got back into the swing. My Doc this past week has just let me run free (well, as free as I can be at this stage of the game). 3 more weeks of ED fun....

I'm busily trying to set up my next rotation (another Surg). I was thinking about hanging out with the Trauma guy at my current hospital, but no one has anything nice to say about him, plus the Trauma is rather lean and I'd be supplementing with a lot of gallbladders and hernia repairs. If I'm going to get stuck with Gen surg, I might as well go back to one of the local hospitals close to my home (with the Bunz! :love: ) where I know everyone! I called today about a 2/2 split with Plastics and General (hopefully get some procedures), so we'll see, keep those fingers crossed that it goes thru or else I don't know what else I'll do.....

Talk to ya later!

Kat -- the ED Queen for the next 3 weeks :D

Man, I gotta keep up here!

1-1/2 weeks left (5-1/2 more shifts) until the end of MSIII year and onto 2 weeks vacation! woo-woo!

I got my approval all set up for my next rotation (2/2 split w/Plastics and General Surg). Ought to be good....I still need to set up my July rotation (sigh). I'm thinking (b/c it's so close to Boards and I'm going to need to slack a little w/a 8-to-4 type of rotation so I can make SOME effort to study) maybe a 2/2 split with Derm and Rads. Both shouldn't be too taxing on the 'ol brain. Back to the phones!

Ted -- you should be swamped in Trauma now, huh? Hope all is well. Chin up.


Kat :D

Hey Nursy I just wanted to let u know that another has blazed the path and felt the rath you have..I am a Nurse to DO who did feel the somewhat need to hide the fact I was "moving on"...and going to medical school... I guees only those who have experienced this really know and understand the situation...Maybe it comes from the relationship between Nurses and Docs...maybe there is somewhat of an animosity that you are becoming "one of them"...maybe it's jealousy...I really don't know...all I know is that I did feel better once it finally came out...I'm an Rn in an ER and ICU...so I KNOW!!! about the gossip...I really don't talk about it unless asked and as for the Docs in my unit they have started to ask me if I'd like to "know" more about certain things...well I begin in July at LECOM...I will continue to try and PRN as much as possible...but I will always be a Nurse...a valuable set of values to always possess...Nurses make great Doctors...

This has to be the awesomest thread/forum that I have ever visited. AS an ICU nurse applying to medical school I could not have found a more supportive bunch. People who have been through the struggle and excitement of it all. Hopefully you will not mind if I ask a few questions in the future. And keep you all posted of my success (hopefully).

scalpel179

ted in traumaland

well its 4 in the morning (listent to me good, all right so I'm having a flashback to my "Captain Fantastic" days) and I'm at home ready to enjoy a day off after 30 on call (ahem, what 80 hour work rules????) I was comatose on the way home and have been as such (just enough to eat, go to the bathroom then check out what's been going on here :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: ) until now.

I find the stuff fascinating but I don't want to be a surgeon, I want to be an EM doc, so this is the beginning of week 3 and there are 5 more to go. I hate being on call but my team makes it very bearable (I lucked out by having a good balance of personalities on the team and surgery residents who are not malignant). Trust me, I am counting down the days until this is just a distant memory, like all the ones recorded in this thread of great historical significance :D Okay, we can tell that I am sleep deprived so I'll stop here. Hi Kat and all other regular and irregular visitors. I will try to surface from time to time and like the loch ness monster, I'll show up when you least expect it. :meanie:

see ya bye

ted

PS by the time the countdown is over, both Kat and yours truly will be in the final stretch, for the even bigger countdown, are you ready? :cool: :cool: :cool:

2 weeks of vaca....woo-woo!

Then I get to go back to Gen Surg/Plastics split, which will lead into a Rads/Derm split. I figure these rotations before Boards will give me enough time to come home and make some type of studying effort for Step 2. Lucky us, not only do we get to study for Step 2, but we get to wander around aimlessly trying to figure out what the Match is all about (god knows the school is mum on the subject). Thankfully tho, I'm all set on where to go for Internship (will probably go outside the Match and sign a contract). Hopefully, I can say the same thing a year from now when I'm looking at Residencies; I'd luv to save a couple of bucks and sign a contract outside the Match for both Internship AND Residency -- though I've heard that this happens more in the Osteo world than the Allo world. I'm spending as much of my 4th year going to potential Residency spots with my goal to shake someone's hand after the end of 4th year and say "I'm coming to you" for 2006 (I've already had a phone offer to do so, so I know it's possible).

Man-oh-man, Senior-itis has already kicked in and I'm a year away from the big event! :laugh:

Talk to you soon!

Kat :D

Maannnn, I'm being a slacker here! Time to catch-up...

I'm 2 weeks into my MS IV year and I already have senioritis (NOT GOOD!). The good thing is that we're now on 4 week rotations instead of 6 week, so things seem to move a bit quicker (just as I start to get bored w/the rotation.....all done! :laugh: ). This is definately a good thing! The Gen Surgeon that I'm with is really kewl and let's me do anything and everything I can get my hands on. Next week is Plastics x2 weeks. Then Rads/Derm 2/2 split. I purposely set up mostly "9-5" rotations b/c I'm trying to get a little bit of Board studying done every nite after I come home, or inbetween patients at the hospital/office. So far, so good, but I need more motivation! :p

I think I'm all set (except for the paperwork part) as to where I'm going to go for Internship (I'm probably just going to sign outside the Match and save some $$$). I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that by the end of this year, I'll be sitting here saying the same thing about where I'm going to go for Residency. If I have my druthers, I'd like to be able to walk out of one of my EM rotations this year while shaking a hand saying I'll be there in 2006. Impress, impress, impress....hmmm, I guess I should wash my white coat before I go to one of this "audition"-type rotations? :thumbup: :laugh:

Ted, let me know how things are your way!

Kat :D

hey Kat,

you know you can apply (not sure if you want to do that) to EM programs that are 2-3-4 at the same time that you are signing your life away to this program :D . This would erase the anxiety of trying to do this again and since you won't have to have the privilege of interviewing for your year one slot, why not join in the fray by getting it over with by going 2-3-4. Just a suggestion, (no coersion intended :p )

trauma is almost over (2 long and trying weeks left). this will essentially end resident call for the rest of my known life (unless I get stupid and decide to go back for another residency). keep those prayers coming, I am on call this evening and the pager is frantically going off, people falling out of trees, what the heck are they doing up there anyway? motorcycles vs deer (who do you think won that battle, no one, not even the "hog"), bicycle vs opposum (I didn't even know that they existed this far east and north), suv vs motorcycle, car vs pedestrian, fall out of chair (yup that happens here too), will it never end? I am glad not to be here for Independence Day, maybe we'd have to film a movie about what happens here on that day. We could get Will Smith maybe Tommy Lee Jones, hey I'd stick around for that :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: well, you can tell I am sleep deprived so I am going to stop.

kat, are you going to do any rotations in the nyc area? we should do lunch if so, pm me about your future location (the place you want to do your internship) sounds nice. planning on going to do that forensic rotation, might be a good thing, I think it enhanced my learning experience. just be forewarned, some of the people that work there are a tad warped (hey I guess you have to develop some type of behavior that keeps you going while caring for dead folks). sorry for the rambling, I'll stop now.

bye,

ted

ps by the way, i may not be board certified at the same time that i take my boards, i was forced to take them this past week, oh well can't have everything.

dreamaloud,
You may find it beneficial to do the academic fresh start? It will still be seen by Medical schoo (the class grades before this), but it gives you an opportunity to clear the slate to be able to take the classes.

Hi,

I am a registered nurse (ADN). I have worked Trauma ICU for 1 1/2 years and General/ Cardiac ICU (so far for 4+ months-currently). I have always wanted to be a doctor. I was unable to go to med school from the start due to financial situation. I also wasn't completely mentally and maturely ready. Now, after being a nurse for almost 2 years....I have decided to go back to school. I just wanted to know- Do I need to get a BSN with the prereqs for Med School or Do I need to get a Bachelor's degree in another area? or Is it possible to just have ADN and get prereqs? I know that Medical school doesn't ask for a Bachelor's degree, but do they look upon (through your experience-better)? Also, how does DO look upon ADN with prereqs vs BSN with prereqs vs BAchelor's degree in another area? Are my chances of getting into medical school better with DO? What was your GPA upon acceptance? How many schools did you apply to MD or DO- and how many accepted you? What was your approximate MCAT? I am just unsure if I should take the time to get a BSN or bachelor's degree(if not really needed). I can focus better on my grades with ADN and prereqs---but I surely want to get in!

From what I understand it is very difficult to get accepted to med school without a Bachelor's, I'm sure you can do it but I think you'll need a stellar application. I have been out of school for 6 years and I still got in with a little less than average MCAT. I don't think it really matters what you get your degree in as long as you have the pre-req's. If you really want to get an ALMOST shoo in; get a degree in Spanish and have your pre-reqs. Have an average MCAT and be personable in interviews and you'll get in. If you have any questions PM me.

Hey Ted --

Sorry so long to post back. Been studying for Step 2 and trying to fill out all this dern Match paperwork and hand it in before I leave town in 2 weeks. I'm just about done, except for check writing and signatures. I'm also waiting for a copy of my transcript from my school so I can look it over and make sure there isn't any mistakes on it (nothing like hearing horror stories about that kind of stuff happening from last year's class to make you paranoid).

This Step 2 better be easier than Step 1 because I'm just not motivated to study at all....I finished up an Elective in Rads for 2 weeks, now on to Derm for 2 weeks (nothing like an 8-4 rotation w/o call).

I set up my ED audition rotations from Oct thru Feb. I have one more elective at the end of my MSIV year that I'll use to go back to the place I liked best and really want Residency there. I looked at 2-3-4 Allo pgms profiles and most just haven't had enough DO's to suit me (was it because they didn't apply? or is there a "DO thing" at those hosptials? THAT I definitely don't want to deal with at this stage of my life. I just want to learn, graduate, pass Boards, get a job. Period. Not fight about being a DO, ya know?). So I'm just going to do a 1-2-3 program. I'll PM you about Intership info.

Talk to you later!

Kat :)

I was wondering if it is possible for me to get a BSN and go straight to med school...are the prereqs for med school satisfied with the BSN program..or am I just wasting my time?...or would it be easier just to take prereqs and go to med school..with a BSN, I was thinking that I could take care of the prereqs for med school and have some sort of financial security being a BSN??..is this not a good idea?

I don't have a BSN so I'm sorry that I really cannot answer your question. (I have a BS in Exercise Science from the stone ages that happened to be heavy on med-school pre-reqs). My standard answer to someone who thinks Nursing is a nice "fall-back" career or some type of resume builder for medical school apps is: don't do it if you don't think you would potentially want to do nursing for a career. I've posted my thoughts on this many times. We need students in nursing school that want to be nurses, not doctor-wanna-be's right after graduation (the nursing shortage is hurting everyone in healthcare, let's not contribute to it so blatently). This all may sound harsh, but it's just my $0.02....

Good luck.


Kat :)

AAAAAHHHHHHHH, I must bump my own thread back up!!!

I'm on a clinic type of rotation which is keeping me hopping. I'm also in the middle of studying for Step 2. I can't wait until it's over. I'm sooo ready for a break, maybe catch up on some new fiction and exercise my liver with a few apple martini's....

Kat :)


PS: Enough with these "Doctor v. Nurses" threads already...geez, I have a foot in both those camps and you all are starting to make me feel schizophrenic....should I like myself? should I hate myself? :confused: :laugh:

I'm w/ ya NK-
These doc/nurse threads really have me resenting both camps.
Do like me...I HIKE myself :laugh:

:cool:
Hi all. It is weird being a PGY-3, wished I was this confident in the first year it would have helped a lot :D I passed Step 3 so look out world, I can get a license now. Kat, good luck on step 3. As for those this vs that threads, can't be bothered reading them, life goes on. Hiding out at work right now, the "critical care" area is slow right now so I am perusing the site. Y'all enjoy what freedom you can as a student for now, life will fall on you like a ton of bricks. :meanie: just kidding :rolleyes:

the doc

AHHHHHHHHH ----

Boards are tomorrow and Wed....everyone say a prayer for us all! :luck: :thumbup:


Kat :)

AHHHHHHHHH ----

Boards are tomorrow and Wed....everyone say a prayer for us all! :luck: :thumbup:


Kat :)
Good Luck -
Given your past performance I'm sure you will smoke that thing!
F

Good Luck -
Given your past performance I'm sure you will smoke that thing!
F

Thank you for your well-wishes..... :) Hell week is over, now it's just time to wait, and wait, and wait for those damn results...I'm sure you've read some of the horror of Step 2 in some of the other posts, so I won't go into it. Keep your fingers crossed for all of us.

Still plugging away at my Ambulatory clinic. I'm with a new doc in more of a rural/underserved-type of clinic. What a KEWL guy! Absolutely a great time! He's really the type of doc you want taking care of you and yours -- really personable. We are always running behind (which makes for a long day) b/c we spend more time bullsh*tting with each other and the patients :laugh: This is going to be a great last 4 weeks of rotation!

Talk to you all later!

Kat :D

Last week left of Clinic and home for VACATION!!! woo-woooooooo :thumbup: Unfortunately I'm not going anywhere special because Hubby starts to get really busy come October. At least I'll be home with da bunz... :love:

Still waiting for those damn board scores....grrr.... +pissed+


Kat :)

Hey all, nice to read the success stories very inspiring. But do tell, how hard was it getting into medical school, after a nursing career, and how did the interviewers perceive your application??? :luck:

dds2b,

Your comment on nurses are jealous (of doctors) because they have to "change bedsheet and dirty diapers" is really uncalled for. Each person of the healthcare team has unique responsibilities to take care of, and everyone has a niche in the overall scheme of patient care. Nurses, as I have learned, do much much more than house keeping chores as you have suggested, and incidentally their service to the patients enables physicians to be more efficient in their work. A simple analogy, the healthcare team is like a body with each profession occupying a different part of the anatomy. Who is to say which part is more vital than the other?

PS. I forgot to mention that my wife was a nursing major before she decided to go to optometry school so I do have a first-hand knowledge of what nursing students have to go through in their training as well as what nurses do.

[This message has been edited by DOPhD student (edited 02-16-2001).]

Thanks for your comment. We hear too many negative comments and its finally nice to hear something postive about nurses. I'm a fourth yr DO student and my girlfriend is a last semester BSN nursing student. They have a tough work load as well. A nurses role in the hospital is just as vital as the physician.

Snowman...I think you have replied to the wrong thread. I'm trying to keep the flame-war out of this one. :)

AKA04....I'm not sure what you're asking me. No DO school I applied to had a "problem" with my application/career. My BS is in Exercise Science (not nursing), so my medschool pre-reqs were complete a long time ago. As far as medschool being tough? Yep, it was...the way I expected it to be.

Kat :)

Hey all -- haven't posted in a while. Lucky me is on vacation for the next few weeks. Get to spend some time with the bunz and wait for my damn board scores. :scared: It's the long wait that kills ya....

Kat :)

Been a looooooooooooooong time since I've posted here. PGY-3 now and I've had to start again with the research, CV's and thinking about interviewing, seems like yesterday I was doing this nonsense. I am on vacation the week after next. I guess I'll be doing some serious running around for future employment. Kat, I know you did well on Step 2. You studied as opposed to moi, Step 3 was taken in the middle of my trauma rotation. even if I had wanted to, I was too exhaused to even keep my eyes open long enough to glance over a page, but I am grateful I don't have to take that sucker again. May be a while before I post back again, but I'll let you in on the news wherever I am. My best to all,

ted :cool: :cool: :cool:

"Have any advice for someone wishing to be a physician's assistant?"

YUP
#1 THE NAME OF THE PROFESSION IS PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WITHOUT THE 'S.
#2 KEV IS RIGHT. WE SEE AS MANY PTS/DAY AS THE DOCS SO " NOT BEING A PEOPLE PERSON" WOULD BE A PROBLEM IF YOU WANT TO BE A PA/NP/MD/DO UNLESS YOU WANT TO GO INTO RESEARCH OR PATHOLOGY


Whatever........you are a PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT no matter how you dress it up. You also see as many pts/day as we don't want to see. Now go see that 89 year old with low back pain, boy! :laugh:

Ted --

I'm glad things are going well for you. You're going to get a great job. Are you staying around here or going back to AZ?

I got my Step 2 scores. Did even better than Step 1. Which leaves me in a good position for Internship and Residency interviews this year and next year. I've got 3 rotations in a row (at potential residency sites) coming up starting in another week -- I'm starting to get a little excited! Got my interview for Internship this Friday. Just have to schedule my Step 2 PE test (probably in springtime) and other than that it's clear sailing until graduation! :thumbup:

Talk to you later!

Kat :D

" NOT BEING A PEOPLE PERSON" WOULD BE A PROBLEM IF YOU WANT TO BE A PA/NP/MD/DO UNLESS YOU WANT TO GO INTO RESEARCH OR PATHOLOGY

Off subject, but have you every had an FNA? I did and it was done by a persoanble pathologist, like the type I hope to become! :rolleyes:

And BTW, former nurses make the best doctors! :thumbup:

Off subject, but have you every had an FNA? I did and it was done by a persoanble pathologist, like the type I hope to become! :rolleyes:

And BTW, former nurses make the best doctors! :thumbup:

I agree.

Holy Cow! Talk about your slacker here!.... :D

Ok, the update:

I'm finishing up my 1st of 3 EM rotations in a row. Trying to decide where to go for Residency in 2006 (2005 will be Osteo Internship, which is pretty well sewn up :thumbup: ). I'm having a good time where I am; with one more week to go here. Everyone is great, program seems well run. Of course there are problems/bitching/moaning...that's going to be anywhere. Where I wind up will just be the place where I think that I can handle THAT particular programs problems better than the others. I'm a realist here.

Going to try to keep my mind open at these next 2 hospitals. Everyone tells me that I'll just "know" what program is going to be right for me....I'll have to keep you all posted as soon as I hear the little tinkling bell go off in my head. :idea: :laugh:

Kat :)

Holy Cow! Talk about your slacker here!.... :D

Yeah!!! I've become a member of the slacker club too! :thumbup:

Good luck on making up your mind for EM...I think I have mine made up for FP.

Hey --

Tomorrow's presentation will end my time here in this ED. For the most part, I've had a good time -- Residents seem happy, Attendings don't seem malignant. Of course, there are "personalities" -- I ran into a few of them yesterday (read: felt like a little bastard step-child no one wanted). Sooo, just will have to see the "personalities" in my next 2 ED's and go from there. (Note to self: must keep open mind before making decision on Residency, must keep open mind... :thumbup: )


Kat :)

may i ask a question??
are there many PTs transit to DO or MD schools?
I want to know this imformation?
Because i want to study DO school.

may i ask a question??
are there many PTs transit to DO or MD schools?
I want to know this imformation?
Because i want to study DO school.


I'm a PT, and now I'm in DO school. There's one more PT in my class and the class above me has one also. It's not uncommon for PTs to go on to medical school and the osteopathic world seems to particularly favor us.

-J

hmm
Thanks a lot DOctorJay...
I thought there should be few PTs to medical schools.
does DO school learn more than PT school?
Is it going to be late to start DO schools while i am 30? :confused:
I think i want to be a Dr. and more independent than PT...
Thanks!

Hey there!

I'm at my 2nd of 3 total ED "audition" rotations. I've started at a small affiliate hospital for the past 2 weeks and will go to the big-boy hospital starting this week for quite a few shifts. I also have been talking to the PD who seems to have taken a liking to me (or at least my pedigree :laugh: ). I'm really hoping I'll like it here. So far so good. The Docs I'm working with at this smaller hospital have graduated from the big-boy hospital program, and seem to be quite comfortable at their job. We all have the same sense of humor, so that always makes the shifts go quick! I'll keep ya'll posted!

TTTEEEDDDD, where are you? 6 more mos 'till Attendinghood for you and Doctorhood for me...aaahhhhhh! :thumbup:

Heyyyy all --

I've gotten to the "big-boy" hospital. Many more patients = much busier. Lot's of critical stuff to cut my teeth on (of course, mixed in with the not-so-critical's), and lots of procedures too (a good thing). SOOOO, with that all said, I think I've decided on coming here for Residency. I still want to check out my next rotation (#3 audition rotation), but unless I fall in luv with them.... :laugh:


Kat :D

NurseyK,

At one point in your posting, it seems like you got a bad rap from nurses in general and no one congratulated you from the OTHER site. Just wanted to say congrats. Like you, I went further, not MD but to SRNA.
Anyway, much success in med school.

rn29306

+pad+ Gotta do da bump....


TEEDDD, where are ya? Hope your Holiday was great and you don't have to work for New Years!

I just talked to my next rotation site (#3 "audition" rotation)....geezz they were awefully nice on the phone. I am still in a quandry about how to explain to my current rotation that I want to go here for Residency but I need to check this next place out....Grrrr...I hate trying to find the right words to say something so it doesn't come out like I am trying to jerk someone around! You also have to love the posts of, "Hospital X told me they would rank me highly and I ranked them #1 and I got screwed...." Damn Match process. And think, I get to do this all AGAIN next year.... :rolleyes:

Kat :)

NurseyK are you planning on a DO EM residency, as a DO graduating from an MD EM residency ...I am simply curious.

Hi there Freeeedom!

Planning to do Osteo Intern year to get the check in the box, then do Allo EM.

Any words of wisdom are always appreciated.

Kat :)

hmm..I've just started nursing school and I'm planning to proceed to medschool afterwards. do you guys think my "transition stage" will be anything like NurseK's? just wondering what it will be like... ehehe. :)

<WARNING: here comes a huge vent>

At my new ED rotation -- talk about sucking hard. :thumbdown:

I can't stand it here. I get told by the Asst Director/Attendings to "take it easy" and "not here to move the meat" and "we'll pick the pt's for you to see".......well, how's that all working out? I'm averaging one pt A DAY when I'm used to cranking out 10-15 pt's per 10 hr shift (ouch). Ok, ok, you say. Just relax and enjoy. Ok. I'm trying....save for the f*cking residents who feel the need to tell me that I'm lazy and unmotivated b/c I'm not running up to the chart rack and moving meat "like the last medstudents" b/c "you just didn't understand the [Asst Dir] instructions about your responsibilities". OK, so precept me then...."oOOHHH, NNOOooo, I'm too busy.." :rolleyes: PPPPUUULLLEEEZZZ, give me a damn break. I have to now find the damn Asst Dir and "clarify" my duties b/c these freak residents have labeled me incorrectly and I want to make ABSOLUTELY sure that I'm in the right here. +pissed+ I guess too that I'm supposed to be getting excited about watching Foley's and IV's placed and "watching" a pt have an MI. Hello? What part of "I used to be an ED/Trauma RN" did you all not understand?!? Even the nurses are like, "Uh, Doc, she's seen and done a million of these. How's about showing her some Doctor stuff?"

I've had it and I only have one week under my belt. :mad:

On the up-side: I feel even better about telling my last location that I want to go there for Residency. The charting is better, US usage is unparalleled, and (relative) lack of a million other residents and fellows allows for more procedure time and more true decision making (vs calling the resident on [insert any service here] and asking them to come down to see pt and decide on D/C vs Admit).

....3 more damn weeks....I really am going to have to try to pull a decent grade for this rotation out of my *****..... :rolleyes:


Kat